The Pittsburgh Steelers filled many holes and improved many weak areas on their roster during the offseason. The one area that still has many concerned is wide receiver. The team surprised people by not signing another strong receiver after trading Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers. They currently have George Pickens at the number one spot and no solid contender for the number two spot.
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Steelers' George Pickens.
The drop between Pickens and all of the other receivers on the roster currently seems deep. That led to speculation that the Steelers would go after a big name receiver either in free agency or via a trade, but now, with just over a week to go before training camp starts, the odds get increasingly slim. The one name that has been like a dangling carrot is Brandon Aiyuk from the San Francisco 49ers. Aiyuk has been in contract negotiations with the 49ers and is unhappy with what's transpired thus far.
On the 93.7 The Fan Morning Show, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporter Mark Kaboly was asked about that number two spot. He said that he no longer believes that the Steelers will get Aiyuk. He also said that from his perspective, there isn't anyone who will pop up at the end of camp who is any better than the players they already have on the roster. He believes the team will go into the season with who is currently on the roster. To that, Kaboly was asked if any of the receivers, other than Pickens, stood out to him at Organized Team Activities (OTAs) or minicamp.
"Calvin Austin, but you know, he should because he's been in the league three years," said Kaboly. "He's fast. You're not allowed to touch him in OTAs, so I hope he excels at that point right there."
Calvin Austin III quickly became a fan favorite for his speed, running a head-turning 4.3 at the NFL Combine before being drafted in the fourth round in 2022. Unfortunately, he lost his entire rookie year to a foot injury. He was able to play in 2023 and showed fans that he remained just as fast as they had hoped. He had seven receptions for 180 yards and two total touchdowns. The bulk of the yardage, 72 yards, came from a touchdown pass against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Unfortunately, Austin was practically invisible after that. Now, he must step up and show that he can be more consistent than last season. That doesn't mean every play has to be a 72-yard one, but he does need to make his presence known. Kaboly has been impressed with what Austin has done during the pre-camp activities, but those are non-contact, so it is not surprising he was able to slip the defenders. While that is promising, he has to show that he can do that during the season.
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Steelers TE Pat Freiermuth.
Kaboly thinks some team members will help Austin take that leap forward. He named tight end Pat Freiermuth as someone who would take pressure from that second position. He also cited Cordarrelle Patterson, who is new to the Steelers this season. While he seems to have been brought over to help with the new kick return rules and is listed as the number three running back, he spent his first several seasons in the NFL as a receiver. If the offense can come together this season, then Austin should be able to step up in 2024.
Key To Steelers' Offense Lies With The Quarterback
It won't matter how well Austin can play if the quarterback situation falls apart. Russell Wilson appears to be the de facto starter as we head into the season. Wilson is widely considered the Steelers' best shot at making the playoffs, even if there is disagreement over who should be the future face of the franchise.
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Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson.
Having someone with Wilson's experience and maturity at the helm will help Pickens and Austin step up their game. A former Super Bowl winner, Wilson has shown to be a decisive game manager, and under new Offensive Coordinator, Arthur Smith's run-heavy offense, the receivers should be more successful.
What do you think about the wide receivers room? Click to comment below.
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