Following a blockbuster trade with the Miami Dolphins, the Pittsburgh Steelers currently find themselves with one of the best tight end rooms in the entire NFL. Featuring Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, Connor Heyward and former Dolphin Jonnu Smith, the Steelers' tight end group features elite talent and depth throughout the room. Freiermuth and Smith are expected to become major beneficiaries of quarterback Aaron Rodgers' presence as well, as the four-time MVP enters what is more than likely the final year of his career.
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Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith.
As Rodgers finds multiple elite tight ends available at his disposal throughout 2025, the veteran quarterback finds himself with a very solid group of receivers as well. Consisting of DK Metcalf, Calvin Austin lll, Roman Wilson and Robert Woods, the Steelers wide receiver room features a mix of older and younger players looking to make an impact.
Wilson, who suffered a devastating ankle injury at training camp just before starting his rookie year last season, is a promising young receiver who will look to bounce back following multiple injuries in 2024.
As Wilson continues to prepare for the start of training camp, fellow Steeler Christian Kuntz took a moment to share his excitement towards the rising star entering his second season.
"Everyone's forgetting about Roman. Like, Roman had a bad ankle injury, dude. It sucked." Kuntz stated. "It was a hip-drop tackle. It was an accident in training camp. We were in a live period, guys are competing and it happened."
Kuntz then went on to comment on his own personal ankle injury a few seasons ago, stating how hard it can be to come back and truly be at 100%.
"An ankle injury, dude, I twisted my ankle, what was that two years ago, three years ago? I got rolled up on, I thought my whole leg went in half. I thought I broke my leg and thankfully it was just my ankle."
Wilson is currently projected to be the Steelers' third receiving option, as both Metcalf and Austin continue to solidify themselves as Pittsburgh's top playmakers. A third round pick in 2024, Wilson is a promising young receiver who will look to make a major impact throughout 2025. Wilson was a star on the college level as well, as the former Michigan Wolverine played a key role in the team's 2023 National Championship run.
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Steelers WR Roman Wilson getting coached during rookie mini-camp.
Metcalf, who was acquired earlier in the offseason in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks, is nothing short of an elite superstar and should thrive as the Steelers' clear cut wide receiver one.
Metcalf may play an important role off the field as well, as the six year veteran is expected to be an excellent mentor towards Austin and Wilson throughout the offseason. Despite Wilson being healthier then ever entering his second season, the Steelers are still expected to evaluate the market in hopes of adding depth to the wide receiver room.
Steelers May Add Depth At Wide Receiver To Compete With Wilson
As Wilson and the rest of Pittsburgh's wide receiver room continue to prepare for the start of training camp, general manager Omar Khan and his staff may add depth at the position in the near future. The team may opt to use Smith as a receiver as well, as the versatile tight end is able to play multiple positions on offense. While many solid options remain available in free agency, the Steelers have most recently found themselves linked to Amari Cooper and Gabe Davis.
Entering his 11th season, Cooper is a five time Pro Bowler that would instantly compete with both Wilson and Austin for a role as a top playmaker. Cooper had what was widely considered to be a down year in 2024, as the veteran was traded from the Cleveland Browns to the Buffalo Bills in a midseason deal. Cooper may prove to be a cheaper option as well, as the former Bill finds himself still on the market just weeks before the start off training camp.
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Steelers' potential free agency target Amari Cooper.
Davis, who thrived throughout his time in Buffalo with Josh Allen, is a solid receiver who would serve as a respectable third option. Davis struggled last year in his lone season as a Jacksonville Jaguar, as having Rodgers as his quarterback may prove to be a difference maker in the wide receiver's upcoming decision. The former Jaguar reportedly had an excellent visit to the Steelers' facility earlier in the offseason, as Davis is expected to make a decision on his future sooner rather than later.
With Wilson set to return following a brutal injury in training camp last season, the young wideout will look to make a massive impact throughout his sophomore year. Wilson should benefit from playing on the same unit as Metcalf as well, as the veteran will more than likely require a respectable amount of attention from opposing defenses. With the start of training camp just around the corner, the team is expected to add depth to the wide receiver room in the near future.
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