Steelers Make Surprise Cut Of Veteran Receiver In 2024 Depth Chart Prediction

The Pittsburgh Steelers have raised questions about the depth of their receivers after trading Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers. This move has left George Pickens as the clear number-one receiver for the team, with little proven experience behind him. The team has added veterans such as Van Jefferson, Scotty Miller, and Quez Watkins to fill out the depth chart, along with the returning Calvin Austin III and rookie Roman Wilson. Gregg Rosenthal, co-host of NFL.com's Around The NFL podcast, recently released his AFC North roster projections and surprisingly, one of the more experienced pass-catchers didn't even make the team.

On Rosenthal's projected depth chart, he had Pickens, Wilson, and Austin listed as the team's top three receiving options. He speculated that Jefferson wouldn't make the team. 

"Van Jefferson was a letdown in Los Angeles and Atlanta, struggling to track the ball," he wrote. "He's not a lock to make the team. Third-round pick Roman Wilson is the most likely option to be the second receiver."

Jefferson was selected in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams after a five-year college career split between Ole Miss and the University of Florida. His most impressive performance was in 2021 when he recorded 802 receiving yards on 50 catches. He served as Matt Stafford's second-most targeted receiver right behind Cooper Kupp. Additionally, he started in all four of the Rams' playoff games and made nine receptions for 102 yards on the way to winning the Super Bowl.

Jefferson's 2022 season was marred by injury. He landed on injured reserve and missed the first six games of the season. He started in nine of the last 11 games, making 24 catches for 369 yards. He started the 2023 season with the Rams, but was dealt to the Atlanta Falcons after five games. Jefferson struggled to make an impact with his new team. His highest receiving output was 24 tards in a Week 8 game against the Tennessee Titans. He failed to have a catch in five of the 12 games he played with the Falcons. 

Jefferson has familiarity with the team's new offense, having spent most of last season in Atlanta with new Steelers Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith as his head coach. The Steelers have brought in a few former Falcons, including Miller, tight end MyCole Pruitt, and kick returner Cordarrelle Patterson, so that won't be the selling point it once was for keeping him on the roster.

Perhaps the Steelers are hoping that Jefferson can return to his 2021 production levels as the second receiver behind Pickens, but he will have to beat out the other guys in training camp to earn the right to show he can do that. 

Steelers Rookie Roman Wilson In Line For Big Role 

The 2024 NFL Draft class was hyped up for the talented pass-catchers coming out of the college ranks. While there was some speculation that the team might try to move up for one of the top-flight guys, General Manager Omar Khan played it patiently and landed Wilson with the 84th overall pick. 

Wilson is expected to step up as the number two receiver right away according to Rosenthal. Despite not being very productive in college, Wilson's blocking skills and willingness to contribute will be valuable to a Pittsburgh team that focuses on running the ball in 2024. The Steelers have been rumored to be seeking a trade for a new partner for Pickens, but unless something changes, they will be relying on Wilson or another player from the camp to fill that role.