Ahead of the 2022 NFL season, the Pittsburgh Steelers had some work ahead of them at the receiver position. During the offseason, the Steelers had parted ways with receivers JuJu Smith-Schuster, James Washington and Ray-Ray McCloud, which left the offense in the hands of Diontae Johnson and Chase Claypool. While sorting out Ben Roethlisberger's replacement at quarterback was the main priority, the wide receiver position needed talent and depth prior to the start of the season.
After drafting quarterback Kenny Pickett in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, two of the three following picks were dedicated to receivers. With the 52nd overall pick in the second round, the Steelers selected George Pickens out of University of Georgia. In the fourth round, they took Calvin Austin III off the board. Pickens went on to start for the black and gold and build a strong rapport with Pickett. Although Austin III was sidelined all season due to injury, he has shown that he has potential to be a strong component for the Steelers offense.
Johnson, who scored himself a two-year, $36,710,000 contract in August, is the leader of the young group. The third round draft pick out of University of Toledo has had a productive career in Pittsburgh, especially under former quarterback Roethlisberger. Despite a frustrating season from Johnson, he led the receivers in targets, catches and yards. Johnson is sure to have a chip on his shoulder during the final year of his contract, as he has something to prove following a season with no touchdowns.
The Pittsburgh Steelers Are In Good Shape Compared To The AFC North
While the Steelers may seek out Pickett's former teammate Jordan Addison or pick up a receiver in later rounds of the draft, they are in relatively good standing. Aside from the powerhouse of receivers in Cincinnati, the AFC North is on the hunt for the next generation of receivers. As the Baltimore Ravens’ general manager just stated, they haven’t had much luck at the receiver position, especially coming out of the draft. The Cleveland Browns have Amari Cooper, but otherwise are spread thin at receiver as well. It’s been revealed that both teams have interest in three-time Pro Bowler and one-time Super Bowl champion, Odell Beckham Jr.
Could Beckham Jr. Return To The AFC North?
Beckham Jr. tore his ACL in Super Bowl 56 and hasn’t returned to the playing since. Desperate to leave the Browns and quarterback Baker Mayfield, Beckham Jr. signed a team-friendly one-year $1.25 million contract with the Los Angeles Rams. Although there was speculation of a potential return to the New York Giants or signing with the Dallas Cowboys, nothing came to fruition. Friday, Beckham Jr. hosted a workout in Arizona and among the group of teams in attendance were the Browns and Ravens.
It's interesting to note that Beckham Jr. previously played with the Browns from 2019-2021. He had an abrupt departure due to a feud with quarterback Baker Mayfield. Now that Deshaun Watson has taken over at quarterback for the Browns, Beckham Jr. could make a return.
The Ravens are showing interest as well, as they are in desperate need of a talented receiver. With Mark Andrews as the primary target and the receiving room facing injuries, the Ravens need to add talent to the receiving group quickly. Beckham Jr. could be an inexpensive option and could potentially entice quarterback Lamar Jackson to make a return.
It'll be interesting to see if either of the AFC North teams jump on Beckham Jr. What do you think, Steeler Nation? Will we have to add Beckham Jr. to the scouting report?
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