Steelers Ink New Veteran Receiver Van Jefferson To One-Year Contract

The Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver room was looking pretty bare after the team released veteran Allen Robinson, and traded away number one receiver, Diontae Johnson. Now, they're reportedly adding one to it and have agreed to a deal with receiver Van Jefferson. 

According to a report on X, the team has come to terms with Jefferson on a one-year contract. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette writer, Gerry Dulac was the first to report the news. 

As Dulac noted, the move is for depth, and not an immediate answer for the team trading Johnson to the Carolina Panthers. Jefferson was originally drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He was with the Rams until he was traded to the Atlanta Falcons after the first five weeks of the 2023 season. That's where he played under new Steelers offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith.

Between the Falcons and Rams, Jefferson caught a total of 20 passes for 213 yards. Jefferson's best season came in 2021 when he caught 50 passes for 802 yards and six touchdowns. 

93.7 The Fan radio host, Dorin Dickerson called it a "good move" on X citing that Jefferson is a smart player, and a real student of the game. 

"Played underneath his dad, Shawn (10 year NFL WR) at the Senior Bowl," Dickerson wrote. "Was the WR coach with the Titans while I was there (when I was a TE and my coach was Arthur Smith). Van is a student of the game. Good get by the Steelers."

Jefferson comes from an NFL family as Dickerson mentioned. His father Shawn spent 10 years in the NFL playing for San Diego, New England, and Atlanta. He's now been a coach around the NFL since 2006. 

Steelers' Wide Receiver Room Gets Some Much Needed Depth 

While the Steelers' latest move may not entirely alleviate fans' concerns, it does provide a crucial boost in wide receiver depth, a necessary step for any team eyeing success in the modern NFL. However, there remains a palpable need for further reinforcements, particularly at the wide receiver position. With George Pickens leading the charge, the Steelers must secure a reliable wide receiver two to complement his talents and wreak havoc on opposing secondaries.

Media pundits are in general agreement that this acquisition is a positive step for the Steelers offense and will undoubtedly bolster their chances moving forward. Yet, the intrigue doesn't end there. All eyes are now on Khan as he continues to strategize and maneuver to fortify the wide receiver room. As the offseason unfolds, fans and analysts alike will be eagerly anticipating each subsequent move, eager to see how the Steelers further strengthen their roster in pursuit of championship glory.

The Steelers' acquisition of Russell Wilson signifies a significant step towards success in Pittsburgh, particularly when coupled with the presence of the right supporting cast. With Kenny Pickett no longer in the picture, the Steelers are fully committing to Wilson as their quarterback. To maximize his impact, bolstering the receiving corps beyond talents like Jefferson and Pickens becomes imperative. 

While the team boasts additional options, none have yet earned the level of trust required for consistent performance. However, the market still offers intriguing prospects, and the upcoming draft presents further opportunities to solidify the receiving unit. 

As the Steelers invest in Wilson's tenure, the quest for additional playmakers underscores their commitment to assembling a formidable offensive arsenal. Adding a receiver with Jefferson's skill set undoubtedly boosts the offense. 

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