Wide receiver was one of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ biggest weaknesses last year. They didn’t waste any time upgrading there, though. Their first big move of free agency was to reportedly trade for Michael Pittman Jr. from the Indianapolis Colts. Pittman gives the Steelers a solid running mate for DK Metcalf. However, former NFL receiver Chad Johnson believes Pittsburgh shouldn’t be done adding to its wideout group.
“[Pittman’s] been solid, he’s been decent over the years, he’s been great for the Indianapolis Colts,” Johnson said recently on his Nightcap podcast. “Now, going over to the Pittsburgh Steelers. You’ve got two big receivers, obviously a little more upside with DK Metcalf, but you’ve got two big receivers.
“You still need somebody else… You still need another receiver, another option that does things differently than big receivers do. You can’t have the same of everything at the receiver position.”
Pittman and Metcalf are both listed at 6’4”, but they have different play styles. Metcalf is better working downfield, using his blazing speed to get past defenders. That also makes him a threat with the ball in his hands.
While Pittman isn’t the athlete that Metcalf is, he wins in his own way. He’s a much better separator, and he’s good at making plays over the middle. That makes him and Metcalf better complements. They should help each other get more open looks.
However, Johnson is still right that the Steelers need more help at receiver. There’s nothing wrong with having multiple big bodies at the position, but having a group with a diverse skill set is important, too.
What could the Steelers look for in another receiver? They could go a few different routes, although a slot option would be preferable. An explosive, big-play threat would be nice. Metcalf shouldn’t be their only vertical option. Adding someone else who can create dynamic plays could help open the Steelers’ offense up more.
They could use free agency to add to their receiver corps. However, the Steelers might not want to spend more big-time money on the position. They’ve got plenty of draft capital, though. Taking a receiver in the first round to pair with Metcalf and Pittman wouldn’t be a bad idea. They’ve shown interest in many of the draft’s top receivers, so it wouldn’t be too much of a surprise.
Recommended for you