The Pittsburgh Steelers gave their offense a much-needed overhaul during the offseason. They started by hiring former Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith as their offensive coordinator, a role the thrived in when he was with the Tennessee Titans. His vast experience as both an offensive coach and head coach will allow Mike Tomlin to focus on the defense, which is his strength.
Pittsburgh also went through a major change at the quarterback position, ending the Kenny Pickett run after just two seasons. They also let former first round quarterback Mitch Trubisky walk in free agency. To replace their two top quarterbacks, the Steelers signed nine-time Pro Bowler Russell Wilson and another former Chicago Bears first round pick in Justin Fields.
With Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, Pittsburgh already has a stellar running back room that combined for over 1,800 yards last season. However, the wide receiver room is a different story.
Also Read: Pittsburgh Steelers Acquire Pro Bowl Wide Receiver for Russell Wilson in Intriguing Trade Proposal
The Pittsburgh Steelers Lack Quality Depth at Wide Receiver
Last season, George Pickens led the Steelers in receiving yards with 1,140. Diontae Johnson was second on the team with 717 receiving yards. No other pass catcher had more than 370 yards, and those belonged to Jaylen Warren. Allen Robinson (280) and Calvin Austin (180) were the only other wide receivers to crack triple-digits in receiving yards.
Johnson was traded to the Carolina Panthers earlier this offseason due to concerns about his character and maturity. Robinson, of course, is no longer on the team either. While Pittsburgh did draft Roman Wilson in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, there is still a glaring need at the wide receiver position.
Currently, there are a handful of big-name wide receivers that are holding out from their current teams because they want a new contract. Some of these situations will undoubtedly get resolved, but others could get even messier.
The Pittsburgh Steelers Were Named a Top Trade Destination for San Francisco 49ers Wide Receiver Brandon Aiyuk
One of these situations that appears to only be getting messier is that between All-Pro wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and the San Francisco 49ers. Should the two sides be unable to reach an agreement, the 49ers may be willing to trade the disgruntled pass catcher. If they do, Cory Benjamin of CBS believes the Steelers could be a top destination:
“Repeatedly linked to Aiyuk via both report and rumor, the Steelers jettisoned Diontae Johnson earlier this offseason, and while Roman Wilson arrived in the draft, they could still use a veteran complement to George Pickens as Russell Wilson and Justin Fields square off for quarterback duties. Aiyuk’s downfield dynamism could be a perfect fit for their otherwise rugged offense.”
Partnering Aiyuk with Pickens would give the Steelers one of the top receiving duos in the NFL. With their quarterback situation costing them very little money, Pittsburgh could afford to give Aiyuk the contract he wants.
It may be a longshot, but something has to be done to improve Pittsburgh’s wide receiver room.
For More Great Football Content
Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19 more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in college and professional football, click here!