Insider: Steelers Have No Chance To Compete Without Upgrade At WR: "It Is Absolutely Critical"

Once the Pittsburgh Steelers revamped the quarterback room, fixed the inside linebacker position and added to the offensive line, most of the restructuring of the roster was done for the 2024 offseason. One glaring issue remains that is constantly being brought up in the Steel City, however. Behind George Pickens, the team doesn't have a clear-cut candidate to assume the number two wide receiver duties. One could argue that Pat Freiermuth may step up in a big way, but in terms of true wideout options, it is anybody's guess as to who will step in to make a big impact, especially if a big-time trade does not occur. 

General Manager Omar Khan did his due diligence in terms of depth, bringing in guys like Van Jefferson, Quez Watkins and Scotty Miller, while Calvin Austin III will look to have his best season as a professional. Roman Wilson was also drafted in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. None of those names, however, are scaring opposing defenses as it stands entering training camp. As fans anxiously await Khan possibly making a big move, there isn't a lot of excitement surrounding the group.

Mark Kaboly, a respected insider for The Athletic who has covered the organization for years, hosted a mailbag recently to discuss the current state of the team. A fan asked how much of a difference Kaboly thinks it would make to acquire a top-end wide receiver before the start of the regular season. The reporter was very clear with his answer.

"Not only would it make a difference, but, at least in my eyes, it is absolutely critical," Kaboly wrote.

The most attractive name out there is Brandon Aiyuk from the San Francisco 49ers. His contractual situation remains tricky due to him likely demanding somewhere in the $30 million per year range. The Steelers could work that into the budget, but as of now, any talks of a deal have not come to fruition, which leads one to believe there is no guarantee he will become available.

One important thing to analyze in the new era of the Steelers under Khan is that he seems to be much less predictable than his predecessor in Kevin Colbert. Kaboly commented on this, stating that anything is possible.

"Even though it seems like a long shot at this time to trade for a guy like Brandon Aiyuk, I’ll never rule out anything when Omar Khan is involved."

Khan has been much more aggressive than Colbert ever was and it has shown with the recent roster reformation in recent years. Khan hasn't been afraid to move on from former Colbert draft picks, and he definitely has not shied away from improving the roster every chance that he gets. The prospect of acquiring Aiyuk is certainly attractive, but doesn't seem overwhelmingly possible as the month of July rolls around.

Steelers Taking Big Risk If No Move Is Made At Wide Receiver

Pittsburgh has had offensive troubles since the beginning of the 2021 season when Matt Canada took over as the play-caller. With Arthur Smith now running the show, there are no more excuses for the players or the coaching staff. That makes the wide receiver position critical. If the unit underperforms, the front office will hear from the fans for months regarding the lack of moves made throughout the offseason. Time is running out to get something done, but Khan could deal at any moment.

Are you worried that the Steelers aren't going to significantly upgrade the wide receiver position before the start of the 2024 regular season? Let us know in the comments below!

#SteelerNation