It would’ve been unfathomable over the past few years to see a Pittsburgh Steelers wideout on the list of the game’s best No. 2 wide receivers ahead of the season. After trading Diontae Johnson and George Pickens in consecutive offseasons, WR2 has been a big weakness for the Steelers, but after acquiring Michael Pittman Jr. earlier this offseason, it might now be a strength. In a list put together by Sports Illustrated’s Eva Geitheim, Karl Rasmussen and Mike Kadlick, Pittman was named the NFL’s ninth-best WR2.
Kadlick wrote that Pittman has been a “reliable, high-volume target” throughout his career. His skill set should fit well with the Steelers and QB Aaron Rodgers, as Pittman has excelled working over the middle of the field and can be a Rodgers target underneath.
Pickens was named the No. 1 WR2 in the league.
At his peak, Pittman was one of the best receivers in football, with two 1,000-yard seasons. His production dipped a little bit last year with the emergence of Alec Pierce in Indianapolis, but he still he hauled in 80 passes for 784 yards and a career-high seven touchdowns. At 6-4, Pittman is also a strong red-zone target.
DK Metcalf didn’t put together the inaugural season many hoped with the Steelers, and Pittman can help take the pressure off him. Due to the lack of a true WR2 last season, Metcalf was often bracketed, especially on obvious passing downs. That should happen less this season with Pittman in the fold, which could unlock Metcalf’s full potential.
On paper, the Steelers have turned one of their biggest weaknesses, if not their biggest, into a strength by acquiring Pittman. The Steelers also revamped their receiver room by drafting WR Germie Bernard in the second round, and the improved weapons should make Rodgers’ life easier.
Last season, the Steelers cobbled together the receiver room they entered the playoffs with by signing Marquez Valdes-Scantling and claiming Adam Thielen off waivers in early December. This season, they shouldn’t need to piece the room together thanks to the moves they made this offseason, and trading for Pittman was one of the biggest.
If Pittman can live up to his ranking on this list and play like one of the best WR2s in the league, then the Steelers’ offense could take a considerable step forward this season. For a unit that showed a lot of positive signs but was inconsistent, having a veteran WR2 who could be one of the best in his role could make a big impact for the offense’s overall consistency and performance.
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