Steelers Lack Of Aggression In Free Agent WR Market Led To Not Getting "The One They Would've Liked"

The Pittsburgh Steelers 2024 offseason has cooled down significantly since revamping the quarterback room and signing the biggest free-agent contract in franchise history, stealing Patrick Queen from the Baltimore Ravens. General Manager Omar Khan has also been involved in the trade market, shipping off Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers, Kenny Pickett to the Philadelphia Eagles and then bringing in Justin Fields courtesy of the Chicago Bears. The big void left in all of this comes at wide receiver. There aren't any true number two guys to play opposite of George Pickens, which has caused some worry from the fan base.

Barring a significant trade for a guy like Brandon Aiyuk, it is more than likely that Khan selects a wideout on day one or two of the 2024 NFL Draft. There are a few free agents that remain, but none that would be a long-term solution in the Steelers' offense. Van Jefferson and Quez Watkins were welcomed with free-agent deals, but it's hard to believe one of them standing out as the solidified second guy behind Pickens.

Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette recently hosted a fan chat, as he does nearly every week, and discussed a little bit about what's going on with Pittsburgh's approach to the wide receiving core. He acknowledged that they were able to add the veterans in Jefferson and Watkins, but missed out on the prime target they wanted to bring in.

"They've already signed two [wide receivers], though not the one they would've liked -- Mike Williams," Dulac wrote.

The Steelers reportedly had a scheduled visit with Mike Williams, but the New York Jets didn't let him out of town without his signature. This may have put a damper on the Khan's plans. It left a very weak remaining free-agent class, which is why selecting two wideouts in the draft is not out of the question. No one can rule out a shocking trade, either, given Khan's unpredictability.

The beat writer was asked about the team's plans regarding bringing in another veteran wide receiver to fill out the room. Dulac promptly shut it down, but said it could happen after the draft. The Steelers are likely looking at drafting a pass-catcher very early on.

"No, they have their vet WRs with Quez Watkins and Van Jefferson. If they draft a WR high, which I expect, I think that will be the end."

Dulac was also asked about a potential reunion with the Steelers and JuJu Smith-Schuster. The former second-round pick might end up being released by the New England Patriots just one year after signing a big free-agent deal. The insider acknowledged that he is a fan of the 2017 draft pick, but it probably doesn't make sense overall.

"I like JuJu, but too many injuries and probably not the No. 2 receiver ideally they would like."

It is still justifiable to be concerned if you are a fan of the team. The current room makes it clear that Pickens could be double-teamed for the majority of snaps, which could affect his ability to make game-changing plays. Pittsburgh needs a legitimate threat opposite of him so the play-action and red zone offense can click as new Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith will want it to. Pickens won't be able to do it all by himself.

Steelers Not Close To Done At Wide Receiver

Regardless, Khan will be active in the month of April when it comes to the wide receiver position in the month of April. The organization will use a draft pick on one no matter what, but the question remains if a big trade could be coming. Rumors have died down, but that tends to be when the "Khan Artist" decides to strike: when no one is expecting it.

What do you want the Steelers to do when it comes to wide receiver? Let us know in the comments below!

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