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The Pittsburgh Steelers aren't hurting for talent in the wide receiver room going into 2023 but even if they pick up a player at the position in the draft they'll still be lacking a ton of pro experience. Diontae Johnson enters his fifth year in the league as Pittsburgh's most proven receiver and it's not even close.
Johnson's career 3646 receiving yards are more than double Anthony Miller's 1589, the next highest total for a player on the roster going into next year. George Pickens with 801 yards receiving in his rookie campaign certainly impressed while he caught some eyeballs for his flair for dramatic catches and has been pegged for a breakout in year two as he continues to develop more chemistry with quarterback Kenny Pickett.
While Gunner Olszewski has an All-Pro nod for his work as a special teamer with the New England Patriots, his usage on offense in his career is quite low hence only having 88 more career receiving yards than Pickens despite having played in 36 more career games.
The least experienced tier of the room is the one with Calvin Austin III and Cody White. White has started just one game for the Steelers in his two-year tenure with the team and has just 35 total receiving yards when coming in to play in a pinch. Last but certainly not least is Austin who general manager Omar Khan had high praise for at this year's NFL Draft Combine.
I don't know about adding OBJ exactly... but the #Steelers could use a bit more explosiveness in their offense.
— Josh Rowntree (@JRown32) March 20, 2023
Current pass catchers:
WR1 - 0 TDs last year
WR2 - 16 catches over last 6 games
WR3 - Missed last year with foot surgery
TE1 - 1 TD final 13 games
Steelers Realistic Options Left In Free Agency
While some want to see Odell Beckham Jr be brought in, the Steelers are more likely to be in the market for some solid competition for the third receiver role with Austin and to provide some experience should there be injuries. Since the last time, we highlighted free-agent options, Mack Hollins, and Paris Campbell have found new teams, but Olamide Zaccheaus is still on the market.
While he's only going to be 26 at the start of next season and he doesn't have eye-popping stats for a four-year veteran, Scotty Miller of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers could be a nice addition as a security blanket in a depth role. He won a Super Bowl in his rookie season and though he struggled to get a consistent starting role in Tampa could provide some big playmaking ability in Pittsburgh.
If the team wants to bring in a true veteran who could mentor the group former Steelers linebacker Arthur Moats says they might want to see what old AFC North foe Jarvis Landry has left in the tank. The former Cleveland Browns wideout struggled with injuries last year for his hometown New Orleans Saints but, was effective in the time he was able to play averaging almost 11 yards per reception.
Finally, as another solid veteran option, the Steelers could try to see what Marvin Jones has left. The 33-year-old former Cincinnati Bengals fifth-round pick proved to be a useful target for Trevor Lawrence starting in 16 games while catching 46 balls for 529 yards. While his days as a 700-yard-plus pass catcher are likely gone, he could provide some valuable experience to the group and was still averaging over 11 yards per reception in 2022.
(All stats per Pro Football Reference)
More must-reads:
- Top free-agent WRs still available after Odell Beckham, Chase Claypool signings
- Three offseason moves the Giants must make
- The 'AP First-Team All-Pro tight ends' quiz
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