Steelers Fans Should Seriously Worry About WR Core: "It's Bottom 5"

The Pittsburgh Steelers are having a great offseason in 2024, but there is still a few holes throughout the roster that should be addressed. The team may want to look into adding some depth along the defensive line, while also addressing the wide receiver room. As of now, it is being led by George Pickens, and then comes a bunch of question marks. Players who could be on the fringe of making the roster with any other team in the league are being expected to contribute for Pittsburgh.

Pickens is a remarkable receiver that has improved drastically throughout his first two seasons in the league. Even if he takes another jump before his third year, it will be difficult for him to produce because of all the defensive attention he will attract. When Pittsburgh doesn't have another starting-level receiver, the secondary can attribute more resources to stopping Pickens. Steelers insider, Ray Fittipaldo, recently went on 93.7 The Fan where he shared his thoughts of the current state of Pittsburgh's wide receiver group.

"I had listened to Omar [Khan] on Poni's [Andrew Fillipponi] show yesterday. The cap space is still there, they created that cap space around the draft if they wanted to make a move, and they didn't. But, that cap space is still there if they want to make a move, just keep that in mind. I suppose they can piece it together with all these guys, right? Maybe you don't need a number 2 receiver. I think Arthur Smith is creative enough to make the most of the situation. On paper, if you look at the Steelers receiving core against the other 31 teams, it's bottom 5 in the NFL."

Pittsburgh knew they were creating an issue for themselves when they traded away one of their top receivers in Diontae Johnson. Pittsburgh already needed to add depth at the position, and they decided to trade away one of their top targets. It is clearly now one of the worst rooms in the league, and unless changes are made, it could really drag the offense down in 2024.

Pittsburgh tried to plug the hole in the receiver room with a handful of guys. They brought in Van Jefferson, Scotty Miller, and Quez Watkins. They also have Calvin Austin III, Marquez Callaway, and Denzel Mims already on the roster. Toss in a rookie in Roman Wilson and the group becomes interesting. Jefferson is probably the best out of the bunch, with Wilson being the biggest mystery as a rookie.

Jefferson could stand out for Pittsburgh, but he hasn't put together a solid year since 2021. He has failed to eclipse 400 yards in each of the past two seasons. Watkins is the same way; he had an impressive year in 2021, but hasn't been able to provide that same spark since. 

Miller and Austin are similar as they are both shorter deep threats. Mims is a former second round player, and Callaway hasn't caught a pass since 2022. The wide receiver room is full of uncertainty, and a move needs to be made before the 2024 season kicks off.

Steelers' Options At Wide Receiver

Pittsburgh has been enthralled in trade rumors all offseason long. At first it was Justin Fields rumors, which did become reality, and then it became Brandon Aiyuk rumors. Other names Pittsburgh has been connected to include Courtland Sutton, Deebo Samuel, and pretty much any disgruntled receiver that plays professional football.

Aiyuk still wants a new deal from the San Francisco 49ers, which will be expensive. It seems like a long shot that the two sides come to an agreement, but if they do, it could mean Samuel may get moved. So, Pittsburgh has two potential trade candidates in Northern California. Sutton is also upset about his current contract, but he has reported to minicamp with the Denver Broncos. 

Pittsburgh needs to find a way to make a meaningful addition to this room, otherwise it will be a point of contention all season long.

What do you want to see the Steelers do at receiver? Comment below.

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