Steelers’ Van Jefferson Emerging As Pittsburgh’s Greatest Option To Be WR2: “Most Likely Candidate To Fill That Role”

The Pittsburgh Steelers made a shocking move early in the offseason by trading away their talented wide receiver Diontae Johnson. This trade underscores Pittsburgh's confidence in George Pickens, who is set to become the team's primary wide receiver for the first time in his NFL career. While Pickens is expected to play a significant role in the receiving game, he will also face tougher coverages as opposing secondaries can now fully focus on him.

This situation has led fans and pundits to believe that Pittsburgh needs additional help at the wide receiver position. In response, the Steelers brought in several speedy wide receivers to fill the void left by Johnson. The new additions include Van Jefferson, Quez Watkins, Scotty Miller, and drafted rookie Roman Wilson. These four receivers will be competing for playing time behind Pickens.

Chris Adamski of Trib Live revealed that he believes Jefferson is emerging as Pittsburgh's best option for the second wide receiver spot. In his four NFL seasons, Jefferson has caught 113 passes for 1,600 yards and scored 10 touchdowns. He also won a Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Rams. Adamski explained that this experience makes Jefferson a strong candidate to fill the void left by Johnson.

“Jefferson, as things stand now, is the most likely candidate to fill that role. He has the most accomplished pro resume. At 6-foot-1, 200 pounds, Jefferson has extensive pro experience both as an outside receiver and from the slot. That adds some flexibility to [Arthur] Smith’s scheme.”

Jefferson played under Pittsburgh's new Offensive Coordinator, Arthur Smith, during his 12 games with the Atlanta Falcons. Although he saw limited opportunities to fully integrate into Smith's offense, he is already familiar with Smith's system. According to Adamski, while Pittsburgh might still seek additional help from outside the organization, as the season approaches, this seems increasingly unlikely. Adamski painted how he believes the wide receiver depth chart will shape up.

“The Steelers still are seeking an external upgrade at wide receiver. But, if that never materializes, Jefferson is among a group of fellow 2024 veteran acquisitions Scotty Miller, Quez Watkins and Marquez Callaway competing to be in the hierarchy of gameday-activated WRs. Third-round pick Roman Wilson and speedy third-year returnee Calvin Austin III also figure into a mix that will sort itself out throughout training camp and the preseason. A lot can happen between now and when the season opens Sept. 8, but Jefferson is the proverbial leader in the clubhouse to be a so-called 'starting' receiver for the Steelers in 2024.”

The entire offseason has seen Pittsburgh tied to rumors and reports about seeking a trade for a star wide receiver. Despite Steelers General Manager Omar Khan's best efforts, nothing has materialized on that front, aside from improving their depth with Watkins, Miller, and Jefferson. Another wide receiver who has impressed the team this offseason is Calvin Austin III, who will look to compete for a larger role in the offense in 2024.

Steelers' Arthur Smith Is Likely To Get His Tight End's Involved Heavily 

Adamski believes that, as it stands today, Jefferson is the frontrunner to start alongside Pickens. The rest of the wide receivers will sort themselves out and compete for reps in the offense. Fans and pundits have expressed concerns about Pittsburgh's wide receiver room all offseason. While those concerns may be valid. Pittsburgh does have options and they also have Smith leading the offense. Smith loves getting tight ends involved in his offense. It is likely he will look to use his tight end room a lot in the receiving game as well. This should help Pittsburgh's offense in the upcoming season.

Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth is expected to have a breakout season with Smith leading the offense. With the focus on tight ends and the speed of Pittsburgh's wide receiver room. As well as Pickens leading the way. The receiving game may not be as bad as some are making it seem in Pittsburgh. 

Jefferson is a talented player who had momentum in his career a couple of seasons ago. Although injuries and a trade slowed him down, he should have a chance to make a significant impact on Pittsburgh's offense in 2024.

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