If you’re hoping the Steelers add more wide receiver help, save your breath. It’s not happening, according to Gerry Dulac. If they felt they needed more, they would have done so by now. And in case you didn’t notice, they’ve turned their attention to hammering out contract extensions.
Since last season, the Steelers traded for Michael Pittman Jr. and drafted Germie Bernard at wide receiver. These are the two major additions, but they are indeed major ones. DK Metcalf remains atop the depth chart, but Roman Wilson is still somewhat unknown. According to Dulac, however, that’s enough for the team.
“No, they’re not bringing [anybody] in”, the Steelers beat writer said on 102.5 WDVE. “They spent their money on wide receivers. They’re not doing that. They like what they have—they have three guys, they are not bringing in another receiver. Nor do they have to. They’ll go with what they’ve got, and we’ll see what Roman Wilson has in Year 3. No, they’re not bringing in another receiver. They spent plenty of money there, and they’re done with that”.
Last season, the Steelers traded for Metcalf, but then traded George Pickens without drafting a wide receiver. They went into the year with Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson competing for playing time, but reportedly continue to keep their ear to the ground in search of additional help. Eventually, they added Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Adam Thielen in-season, who took over prominent roles in the offense.
Both are now gone, though, and so is Austin. The Steelers’ starting duo of DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman should, in theory, be the best that they’ve had in years. How their top trio looks could depend on how quickly Germie Bernard can adapt to the NFL. But there’s still a chance Roman Wilson comes into his own, even if history is against him.
The interesting part of the equation for the Steelers at wide receiver is what comes after this line of delineation. Right now, the fifth and sixth spots seem likely to be taken up by special teamers. Specifically, Pro Bowl gunner Ben Skowronek and rookie return man Kaden Wetjen. Even if they don’t offer much on offense, how could the Steelers fit another wide receiver on the roster?
Of course, the argument last year was that the Steelers have skill players other than wide receiver to catch passes. Now, Kenneth Gainwell did a decent job, and Pat Freiermuth did what he could in limited opportunities. If he has more chances in this offense, that would also mitigate any talent or depth concerns. Jaylen Warren is also capable of catching passes, and then there’s Eli Heidenreich—if he makes the roster.
Then again, the Steelers traded Minkah Fitzpatrick for Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith over the summer last year, so maybe you can’t entirely rule out making a splash of some kind at wide receiver. But they already got Pittman while still retaining Metcalf, so I’m not sure exactly what people expect them to do.
Recommended for you