Steelers May Target A Reunion With Former Preseason Standout And XFL Star To Help Solidify Wide Receiver Group

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been active in adding XFL players to their 90-man roster such as Hakeem Butler and Luq Barcoo over the past few weeks. While the team may be done seeking out talent from the ranks of the XFL, there is still an interesting name at wide receiver available who has connections to the Steelers, former University of Southern California standout, Tyler Vaughns. 

Vaughns was one of the most dynamic playmakers in the XFL this season and was instrumental in helping the Arlington Renegades capture the league championship. During the regular season and playoffs, Vaughns hauled in 42 passes for 414 yards and two touchdowns. 

Prior to his time in the XFL, Vaughns signed with the Steelers' practice squad in September of 2021 after a brief stint with the Indianapolis Colts. However, it was not until the 2022 training camp and preseason that he started to turn some heads with his play. He finished the 2022 preseason with eight receptions for a team-high 112 yards and a touchdown.  

His touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks was a memorable one, as it not only took place during Kenny Pickett's first-ever NFL game, but also secured the win for the Steelers. 

Vaughns May Be Worth A Shot For The Steelers

The Steelers do not have a glaring need at wide receiver with the current construction of their roster. Furthermore, the team has already added one receiver from the XFL in Butler. With that being said, there still may be merit in giving Vaughns an opportunity to compete. At 6'2" and 190 pounds, Vaughns boasts ideal size and impressive body control in making contested catches. He does not possess the same type of athletic ability as a player such as Butler, but makes up for it with crisp route running and strong hands. 

In all likelihood, if the Steelers were to sign Vaughns, he would face an uphill battle of cracking the team's practice squad, let alone the 53-man roster. Wide receivers Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, Allen Robinson II, and Calvin Austin III are all locks to make the team in 2023. Miles Boykin, Anthony Miller, Cody White, Gunner Olszewski, along with Butler are all strong candidates to occupy the fifth and sixth spots at receiver as well. 

Needless to say, Vaughns would need to play nearly flawlessly over training camp and the preseason in order to have a legitimate chance of sticking around in Pittsburgh. However, Vaughns may have a slight edge over the other receivers on the Steelers' roster as he is already in game shape. Hypothetically speaking, the former USC standout may be able to carry over the momentum from his season in the XFL and make a strong case to make the team's practice squad. 

Even if the Steelers choose not to pursue Vaughns, he has more than proven his worth as an NFL receiver. While the Steelers may not be in the market for another pass catcher at the moment, the connection between them and Vaughns in 2022 may be something to keep an eye on over the next few weeks in terms of a possible reunion. 

Thoughts On Vaughns, Steeler Nation? 

How would you feel about the team bringing in Vaughns? Do you think the team already has enough depth at wide receiver? What are your opinions on Butler? Be sure to let us know in the comments! 

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