Steelers Have 1 Massive Reason To Avoid Signing Free Agent Wide Receiver Tyler Lockett

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been linked to many wide receiver options. Cheap, expensive, young, aging, none of that matters. When veteran wideout Tyler Lockett got released from the Tennessee Titans, the pairing almost seemed too good. The veteran would be reunited with DK Metcalf with a future Hall of Famer throwing the ball effectively. Of course, Pittsburgh has been searching for a quality WR2 for over 18 months now, so maybe he could be that guy. On paper, everything makes total sense. 

The game of football is not played on paper, however. While making an appearance on Fan Stream Sports Ohio, insider Brian Batko spoke about the main reason why the Steelers have not signed Lockett, and why they most likely will not sign him. 

"[Tyler Lockett is] a free agent now, so you wouldn't have to give up anything for him," Batko said. "What you'd really be giving up though, I think, is valuable reps for these young guys. I mean Calvin Austin, but more so Roman Wilson. You want to develop these players. I know it's about winning right now in 2025, but who's to say that Roman Wilson can't help you win right now if he gets his feet under him and gets a little bit more action and opportunities to catch passes? Tyler Lockett doesn't do much for me."

The Steelers have had issues with developing their young receivers as of late. Bringing in Lockett would seemingly not help much. They have already brought in numerous aging veterans that have had very little contribution to the team in recent years, and their wisdom has not done much to help with the younger guys on their rookie contracts. 

Calvin Austin III was having a decent season before he suffered a shoulder injury in Week 4. He is a speed demon that has soft hands, and his route-running ability makes him a good complement to Metcalf on the outside. He is in a contract year, so once he gets back on the field, he should take another step up to prove that he deserves a starting role on a team, whether it's Pittsburgh or elsewhere. 

On the other side of the coin, the Steelers have not been able to get Roman Wilson involved in the offense like they've wanted to. Even though he has been blocking well and getting open, the ball just has not gone in his general direction much. Signing Lockett would only make it harder for him to get the ball, even though the veteran slot receiver does not add much that Pittsburgh does not already have on the team.

Steelers' Unique Scheme Erases The Need For More Receiver Depth

The Steelers have put an unusual focus on their tight ends, and it has worked so far. In their Week 7 loss, the tight end position was responsible for all four touchdowns, including a 68-yard catch-and-run by Pat Freiermuth to take the lead late in the contest. The players individually might not put up great stats each week, but they have collectively been a nightmare for opposing defensive coordinators to slow down. 

With the Steelers constantly running two- and three-tight end sets, their need for wide receiver depth diminishes. Even with Austin out, Wilson can block perfectly fine, which gives him more chances in the passing game. Metcalf is still the top option on the team, and his constant contested sideline catches prove it. He is still an amazing weapon.

The jumbo package has also led to the offense playing even better. It has resulted in the offensive line getting more comfortable, which directly leads to the running game doing well and Aaron Rodgers making great throws from the pocket. Lockett may have some gas left in the tank, but Pittsburgh is not a good place for him to fit in at this stage of his career.