Steelers Suddenly Paying Attention To 4 Teams With Wide Receivers That Could Be Expendable

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been dealing with injuries all over the place during 2025 training camp, including to a couple of key weapons on offense. Calvin Austin III and Jonnu Smith have missed significant practice and preseason time due to unconfirmed injuries. Even though Smith is a tight end, he is expected to see plenty of reps at slot receiver, and Austin could be a starter on the outside, if he heals up. While the team may need a new weapon, it most likely won't make a big trade for an elite player.  

Steelers' insider Brian Batko listed the four teams that the Steelers should be looking at during roster cutdown day for more receiver depth. 

While the Houston Texans seems to have great receiver depth, it comes at a cost. Standout receiver Nathaniel "Tank" Dell will miss most of the 2025 season after suffering a major knee injury at the end of 2024. You'd have to go deeper down on the list to find a player that could be a quality option after August, as guys like John Metchie III will likely stick around for Houston. 

Since the Steelers value veteran presence, they could bring Justin Watson to Pittsburgh. He has seen an increase in his snap count in every year besides the one where he only played one game due to injury. The 6'2" wideout has proven to be a quality blocker recently, and he could be a good option to box out smaller cornerbacks. Xavier Hutchinson could also be a practice squad candidate if no one claims him off waivers. 

The New England Patriots have some interesting decisions to make at receiver. Like with Dell, Kendrick Bourne has also been recovering from a major injury suffered in the 2024 season. The 30-year-old has had a lot of injury concerns as of late, which have taken away his chances to prove himself as a quality WR3. If he gets released, it would be worth it to at least work him out and see what he has left in the tank. 

When a second-round pick gets released before his second season in the NFL, there are serious issues. Ja'Lynn Polk may have plenty of talent, but his rookie season was an absolute disaster, and a recent shoulder injury is only taking away his chances of making the Patriots' roster. If he gets released, it could be worth it to have him on the practice squad and make him prove that he has matured and he can learn to stop dropping passes. 

Speaking of former Patriots' second-round picks, Tyquan Thornton does not appear to be in line to make the 53-man roster for the Kansas City Chiefs. Once again, the theme here is injuries hurting his development early on in his career. There is likely some untapped potential in there that the Steelers could potentially take advantage of if they pick him up after roster cutdown day. 

Steelers Got First-Hand Look At Some Potential Receiver Options

Before their contest in Preseason Week 2, the Steelers hosted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for a joint practice. Both teams are likely making a scouting report on each other to see who they may want to sign later on if they become available. There is one cut candidate in particular that the Steelers may be interested in: Sterling Shepard. 

Shepard also had the prime of his career robbed by injuries. However, he was still able to show flashes of his old form in 2024. The Steelers have been desperate for a veteran receiver that can also contribute in the passing game for years now. Shepard could be their answer in that regard. On a highly talented receiver room, it looks like he could be the last one to be cut for Tampa Bay.

What do you think about all of these receiver options for the Steelers? Will they sign any of them? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.

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