Steelers Could Look Into Former All-Pro If Worry Around WR Room Proves True

The Pittsburgh Steelers are entering the 2024 season with an unusual amount of uncertainty. Questions remain at the quarterback position with Russell Wilson's nagging calf injury, while there are also major worries with the wide receivers. George Pickens is the only proven pass-catcher for Pittsburgh, while the group behind him of Van Jefferson, Calvin Austin III, and Scotty Miller is concerning as the Steelers failed to land a big-name wideout during the offseason.

The Steelers know what they are getting from Pickens, as the third-year receiver has improved in each of his first two seasons at the NFL level. As impressive as he has been, there is still a bit of uncertainty in how he will perform and act in his first season as the Steelers' first receiving option. He will be facing a lot of defensive attention, and teams will try to take him out of games. He has a history of acting out when things aren't going his way, which is something for fans to keep an eye on in 2024. 

The responsibility falls on the other receivers in Pittsburgh to perform in order to garner more attention from a defense. This will open things up for Pickens and the passing game as a whole. If Pittsburgh's current group of receivers can't accomplish something like this, General Manager Omar Khan would absolutely need to look outside the organization for help at the position. This is especially true if rookie Roman Wilson status continues to be up in the air past Week 1.

A good option for Khan to consider in order to gain some experience and production is Michael Thomas. Thomas once was one of the top receivers in the NFL, and he continued to play like that for a long time. He started his career out with four straight seasons of over 1,000 receiving yards, and won the NFL's Offensive Player Of The Year Award at the end of the 2019 season.

Thomas hasn't been much of a factor the last handful of seasons, and he was released by the New Orleans Saints following the 2023 campaign. He has struggled with injuries recently, only playing in 10 contests from 2020 through 2022. He returned to the field in 2023, starting in seven games and playing in 10 games overall.

Thomas was semi-productive in 2023. He caught 39 passes for 448 yards and a touchdown. It was good to see him back on the field after such a difficult and strenuous few seasons. The Saints parted ways with the talented receiver, but he could be a cheap option for Pittsburgh or for another receiver-needy team. 

Thomas was served a one-game suspension due to an off-the-field issue that happened, and once Week 1 passes he will be able to play if he is signed. He is a cheap and promising target for Pittsburgh, who should certainly call him if the current receiver group can't get the job done.

Steelers' Wide Receiver Room Has A Lot Of Potential Even Without Thomas

Jefferson performed well during training camp and the preseason, and has seemed to lock up the second wide receiver spot behind Pickens. He has played in big games throughout his career, and could be a reliable option on Pittsburgh's offense in 2024. Roman also provided a lot of promise, but he will probably struggle through some growing pains once he returns from injury. Austin has big-play ability, but has shown so far in his career that he struggles to be an every-down receiver at the professional level.

Are you worried about Pickens as the true wide receiver one? Would you like to see the Steelers sign Michael Thomas? Let us know in the comments below!

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