It hasn't been a very successful run for wide receiver, Gunner Olszewski since the Pittsburgh Steelers signed him in the 2022 offseason. He has not been much of factor on offense, but that was not why he was brought to the Steel City in the first place. The front office was looking to give the special teams a spark, so the former All-Pro return man was signed for two years and $4 million. His stint as the team's returner was short-lived in 2022 and he was replaced by Steven Sims after having trouble fielding punts cleanly. It wasn't expected that he would be brought back in 2023.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter / X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers returner and wide receiver, Gunner Olszewski stands on the field at Acrisure Stadium as the team warms up prior to a 2022 preseason game in Pittsburgh, PA.
The fumble issue returned in Week 5 against the Baltimore Ravens. Calvin Austin III was nursing an injury and to be safe, he was not fielding punts. Olszewski tried making a play late in the fourth quarter and ended up coughing the ball up. It likely would have been a game-losing turnover, but Joey Porter Jr. came to the rescue and intercepted Lamar Jackson in the end zone.
Watch the hustle by No. 87 Rodney Williams.
— Mark Bergin (@MarkBergin_) October 9, 2023
He sprints to the ball and makes a game-saving tackle after the fumble by Gunner Olszewski.
If the Ravens score a TD, the Steelers lose the game. pic.twitter.com/hN5neTxJpK #HereWeGo
It appears as if the Steelers may be ready to finally move on from Olszewski. According to NFL insider, Aaron Wilson, the team hosted two pass catchers, who also have a history of returning punts, for visits on Thursday. If one of them impressed, it's extremely likely that being Austin III's backup in Week 8 will no longer be Olszewski's job.
#Steelers worked out receivers Keke Coutee and Dazz Newsome
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) October 19, 2023
Keke Coutee has five years of NFL experience, but has yet to dress for a game in 2023. He was most recently released by the Miami Dolphins in late August. Dazz Newsome hasn't been around quite as long; the 24-year old only logged three NFL games in 2021 with the Chicago Bears.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter / X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers wide receiver, Gunner Olszewski stretches on the field with his teammates at St. Vincent College prior to a 2022 training camp practice in Latrobe, PA.
Steelers' Olszewski Expendable With Return Of Diontae Johnson
Coutee has returned a total of 24 punts and five kick returns in his career. Newsome had six punt returns for the Bears in 2021. The plan is likely to have Austin III back there, especially with the expected return of wide receiver, Diontae Johnson. Olszewski may be on his way out due to Johnson coming back. A backup return man would be needed, and Coutee would be a great option.
There's a very slim chance that the Steelers would reward Olszewski with a new contract in 2024. The fumbling issues have been relevant for pretty much his entire career in Pittsburgh and enough is enough. Hosting two pass catchers with experience in the return game certainly hints at the fact that Pittsburgh is interested in moving on from Olszewski and giving the full-time duties to Austin III.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter / X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers 2022 fourth-round pick, Calvin Austin III runs drills on the field at St. Vincent College during 2022 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Neither Coutee nor Newsome would be much of a factor on offense for Pittsburgh. Coutee, however, does have 966 receiving yards in his career. With the team releasing kick returner Desmond King II, it certainly seems as if the front office is looking to bring someone else in to help on special teams. After Johnson is activated off of Injured Reserve, Olszewski could be shown the door and Coutee or Newsome might receive an opportunity.
The majority of Steelers fans out there wouldn't be upset if the franchise decided to release Olszewski. He has definitely had more negative moments than positive during his time in the Steel City. A change of scenery may be what is in his best interest anyway. It's certainly possible that Pittsburgh's Week 7 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams could be the wide receiver's last game in the black and gold.
Do you think that the Steelers hosting Coutee and Newsome implies that they are ready for someone different behind Austin III in the return game? Let us know in the comments below!
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