Steelers Likely To Make Unpopular Roster Decision At Wide Receiver During The 2025 Offseason

The Pittsburgh Steelers are entering a very important offseason in 2025. It is crucial that the organization and General Manager Omar Khan makes the proper decisions surrounding the current roster, while also bringing in pieces that can make an immediate impact. Pittsburgh will have the opportunity to release a handful of players to increase the organization's cap space for the 2025 season, while the Steelers also have a number of free agents that they will need to decide on.

Some big names will be free agents for the Steelers, including Najee Harris and Russell Wilson. They were each starters on the offense during the 2024 season, and there is a good chance neither player will be back in Pittsburgh for the 2025 season. Another player who played a large chunk of the offensive snaps during the 2024 season that was playing on an expiring contract is Van Jefferson, but reporter Ray Fittipaldo believes the Steelers need to bring Jefferson back.

"Jefferson played last season on a one-year, veteran minimum deal." Fittipaldo wrote. "Bringing him back on another cheap deal makes sense if he’s cast as a fourth or fifth receiver, not the No. 2. Decision: Sign him."

Jefferson signing back to be the fourth or fifth wide receiver on the roster is a pretty big caveat. He was consistently the second wide receiver on the roster in 2024 and started in 13 total games. His production was fairly lackluster, as the veteran caught just 26 passes for 313 yards and three touchdowns. Jefferson being the number two wide receiver was a big reason the Steelers were involved in so many trade conversations involving wide receivers around the league.

Jefferson's production can't be scrutinized too much. It isn't like he was on some big deal. He signed with Pittsburgh on a one-year deal during the 2024 offseason for just $1.29 million. His price tag could be considered a reason to bring him back. It certainly has risen at all, and he is also a valuable wide receiver when it comes to blocking in the passing game.

Ideally the Steelers will be able to get some more talent at wide receiver in 2025, and Jefferson won't be relied upon too much even if he is brought back on a new deal. Calvin Austin III took some steps forward during the 2024 season, and the fanbase is still waiting to see what Roman Wilson is able to do. 

Pittsburgh will probably be looking at wide receivers in the NFL Draft, as well. Even if Austin and Roman are decent, they are far too similar. Both have more success playing out of the slot, and the Steelers desperately need another physical wide receiver that can make plays while lining up on the outside. There should be more than one option to help out with that in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Steelers Will Have Certainly External Options At Wide Receiver

Apart from acquiring young talent through the NFL Draft, the Steelers will also need to be active in free agency when it comes to the wide receiver position. The organization is expected to be a strong player in the Tee Higgins-sweepstakes, and there will be other interesting names available like Chris Godwin. Pittsburgh will be better off letting Jefferson walk and using some more financial resources to acquire better talent.

Another name that is expected to be available during 2025 free agency is Marquise Brown. Brown is currently on the Kansas City Chiefs and he missed the majority of the 2024 season, but he is one of the better route runners in the league. Pittsburgh is desperate for a receiver that can get open at will, and Brown matches that criteria.

What do you think about the Steelers bringing back Jefferson? Let us know in the comments below!

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