Steelers Might "Kick The Tires" On Former College WR Standout After Surprising Release

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been linked to nearly every potentially available wide receiver in the league. It is easy to see why: they do not have a clear second receiver to support George Pickens. Through the first four games of the season, three of the five top receivers for the team are either tight ends or a running back. 

Everyone knew Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith was going to run a different offense in Pittsburgh than one we'd seen before. That's been the case, as he's been dressing only four receivers and then also four tight ends in the games that have been played. While they might sit at 3-1 on the season, it feels like something is missing.  

This started with the trading of Diontae Johnson right after the end of the 2023 season. Most analysts expected the team to sign another receiver in free agency or to use a high draft pick on one. However, other than selecting Roman Wilson, who has been injured, in the third round and signing some depth pieces, that didn't happen. There certainly hasn't been anyone of Pickens' caliber to join him on the field. 

That's why when Brandon Aiyuk was unhappy and requested a trade, the Steelers became his supposed top destination. Like deja vu, fans are hearing it again, but this time with Davante Adams. Since most NFL insiders believe that Adams would like to play with the New York Jets, it might make sense for the team to look at a dynamic player who isn't necessarily a household name, like A.T. Perry. 

As Brian Batko from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette pointed out, Perry is a big target. He is 6'5" and runs a 4.47 40-yard dash. The New Orleans Saints drafted him in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft out of Wake Forest. During his college career, Perry steadily improved. In 2021, he was named First Team All-Atlantic Coast Conference with 71 receptions for 1,293 yards and a school-record 15 touchdowns. 

He was equally as impressive his senior year with 89 catches for 1,096 yards and 11 touchdowns. This made him the first ever Demon Deacons' player in history to have multiple 1,000-yard receiving seasons. 

During his rookie season in New Orleans, he played in 10 games, starting three. In 2023, he had 10 catches for 246 yards and four touchdowns. The Saints did not use Perry during the first four games of the 2024 season. The Saints have the option of signing Perry to their practice squad if he clears waivers. The sudden waiver has some speculating that he might be injured. He was recently limited with a hamstring injury.  

If the Steelers view Perry as healthy enough to be a productive member of the Black and Gold, he makes an intriguing prospect. The last thing Pittsburgh needs is another injured receiver. 

Steelers' Mike Tomlin Is The Wide Receiver Whisperer

The Steelers might be out on Adams, although there is no official word yet on where he will go. Whatever receiver lands in Pittsburgh will certainly benefit from playing for Head Coach Mike Tomlin. According to Devin McCourty, Tomlin has a magical way with receivers, as is evidenced by Antonio Brown. Brown went from being considered too small to be effective and as a player who needed to work on his catching skills, to the top receiver in the league. 

While Perry may not have the God-given physical attributes that Brown did, he, like many other receivers, could learn from being on a Tomlin-led team.

What will the Steelers do about this second wide receiver position? Click to comment below.

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