Steelers' Top WR Targets Are No Longer A Legitimate Option: "Long Gone From Their Radar"

The Pittsburgh Steelers are lacking depth in the wide receiver room. After signing four-time league MVP Aaron Rodgers to a one-year deal worth up to nearly $20 million, the team is widely expected to shift gears and add depth in an effort to bolster the receiver corps for their new starting quarterback. Pittsburgh may opt to use the talent that is already on the roster as well, as Calvin Austin lll continues to emerge as a legitimate option behind DK Metcalf.

Acquired by the Steelers in a deal with the Seattle Seahawks earlier in the offseason, Metcalf is expected to thrive as Pittsburgh's top receiver. Austin, who is currently entering the final year of his contract, has reportedly shown major signs of improvement throughout the offseason and was recently named the team's wide receiver two (WR2) by Wide Receivers Coach Zach Azzanni. With speculation continuing to surround the Steelers' offensive weapon depth, Steelers insider Mark Kaboly took a moment to share his thoughts on the situation.

"I am at the point now that if it isn't going to be Amari Cooper, that they are just going to roll with what they have, and hope Austin becomes a dawg," Kaboly said.

Kaboly then went on to speak about previous rumors centered around trading for a receiver, stating that those options are more than likely long gone.

"I do believe [Chris] Olave, Keenan Allen and Gabe Davis are long gone from their radar," Kaboly explained.

Kaboly's thoughts may come as surprising to some, as many believe the Steelers still need an upgrade in the wide receiver room. Despite multiple big names remaining in free agency, Pittsburgh may elect to give Austin a final chance to truly shine in the last year of his rookie deal. Austin should benefit from Metcalf playing across from him as well, as the former Seahawk will require a respectful amount of attention from opposing defenses.

With both Austin and Metcalf set to be major beneficiaries of Rodgers' presence, the Steelers' offense is expected to continue getting situated with their new quarterback in preparation for the start of training camp. Originally a walk-on at Memphis, Austin has continued to improve throughout every stage of his career and may find himself having a career year in 2025. Despite Kaboly's thoughts, the Steelers may opt to sign a cheaper receiver as a depth option behind both Metcalf and Austin, as multiple veterans remain available on the market.

Steelers May Add Depth Behind Metcalf And Austin

With both Metcalf and Austin solidifying themselves as the Steelers' top receivers, the team may turn their attention towards adding depth at the position instead of acquiring another superstar. With many options remaining available, one name who continues to circulate around social media is Allen Lazard. Lazard, who was teammates with Rodgers in both Green Bay and New York, is a solid veteran option who already has an established connection with Pittsburgh's new quarterback. Lazard would prove to be a cheaper option as well, but the Steelers would need to trade for him as he is not currently available as a free agent.

Another name who finds himself still on the market prior to the start of training camp is Amari Cooper. Cooper, who was traded from the Cleveland Browns to the Buffalo Bills in a midseason deal last year, is an elite veteran who would prove to be a serious weapon for Rodgers. As Kaboly mentioned however, the team's sights on Cooper may have already passed.

While Kaboly's comments may be a concern to many, the Steelers truly believe in Austin and the rising star is expected to shine in 2025 regardless. With the start of training camp just around the corner, fans should still continue to keep an eye on the Steelers' activity on the free agency market.

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