Steelers insider downplays supposed big offensive need

Pittsburgh Steelers insider Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette doesn't believe the club needs to be in a rush to acquire a proven star wide receiver such as Brandon Aiyuk of the San Francisco 49ers this summer.

"I think it's been overblown a little bit because of the run-first philosophy that they're gonna operate with under Arthur Smith as the offensive coordinator," Batko said during a Tuesday appearance on Pittsburgh sports radio station 93.7 The Fan, as shared by Alex Kozora of Steelers Depot. "The personnel, the way they're set up and built at this moment tells you they're gonna lean into handing the ball off a lot to (running backs) Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren."

As recently as Tuesday, Thomas Valentine of Pro Football Focus argued that the Steelers should trade for Aiyuk after they shipped Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers this offseason. NFL analyst Marcus Mosher of The 33rd Team named Pittsburgh as "probably the most likely team to land" Aiyuk, who is in the final year of his rookie contract and seemingly isn't close to signing an extension with the 49ers.

With all of that said, both local and national reporters agree that Harris and Warren should see plenty of touches early and often in Smith's offense that is expected to help veteran quarterback Russell Wilson be "more efficient" this fall. Unless the Steelers trade for a playmaker such as Aiyuk, 2022 second-round draft pick George Pickens will enter this season as the club's top receiver.

"When they do throw, I think there's something to be said for clearly defining and carving out the role for George Pickens as, 'You are our No. 1 guy,'" Batko added. "'We're gonna throw it to you even when you're not open. And we trust you to still make the play.'"

It shouldn't be forgotten that a 49ers team looking to make a second straight trip to the Super Bowl doesn't have to give Aiyuk a lucrative extension this summer, as he's signed through the upcoming season and can be retained for 2025 via the franchise tag. As for the Steelers, they seem to be moving forward as if Aiyuk won't be part of their offense this season.