With the trade of Diontae Johnson back in March, the Pittsburgh Steelers are still trying to find their wide receiver #2. Omar Khan has brought in multiple options for Head Coach Mike Tomlin and new Offensive Coordinator, Arthur Smith, to look at to fill the void Johnson left. One of those names is Scotty Miller. The former Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons speedster is hoping to carve a role with Pittsburgh this season and he is ahead of many of his teammates when it comes to the playbook of Smith.
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Former Atlanta Falcons Head Coach Arthur Smith stands on the sideline during a professional football game.
Miller was signed in May by the Steelers as they continue to find their missing piece in the wide receiver room. Fortunately for them, Miller has plenty of experience within Smith's offense. He had a full season with Smith's playbook in Atlanta and knows the concepts inside and out. Miller hopes to continue to build off his past experience with Smith and give himself a larger role with Pittsburgh where the opportunity is there.
Miller appeared on the Green Light with Chris Long podcast and was asked about how nice it is having a coach like Smith in Pittsburgh -- someone that already understands his skill set.
"Yeah, no, it's awesome. It's super beneficial for a guy like me. It makes the transition very seamless. I really enjoyed my time in Atlanta with him. He was the head coach, but he was also running the show on offense last year. As far as learning the playbook day one, I pretty much know everything."
Miller is competing with all but George Pickens for that #2 receiver spot heading into training camp. Pittsburgh is hoping to see the 2020 version of Miller where he won a Super Bowl with the Buccaneers and Tom Brady. That season, he had his best year in the league where he saw 33 receptions for 501 yards and 3 touchdowns. He was the 12th best receiver in the league in yards per reception with a 15.7 average.
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Former Tampa Bay WR Scotty Miller attempts to catch a ball against Atlanta.
In his one year with Smith, Miller appeared in all 17 games posting 11 receptions for 161 yards with 2 touchdowns. However, Miller will now be catching balls from Russell Wilson and/or Justin Fields in 2024, compared to Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke the year before.
Steelers' Miller Will Have Competition For WR2 Spot
Miller's knowledge of Smith's playbook will surely come in handy when battling come training camp in Latrobe, PA. However, poised for big seasons are third-year receiver, Calvin Austin III, and the newly acquired veteran, Van Jefferson. Austin's speed, along with Jefferson's experience should fit well in the Steelers' new offensive scheme. That's not to overshadow the also possible likely contributions of rookie Roman Wilson out of Michigan, and free agent signee, Quez Watkins. With a mixture of elite agility and willingness to play a specific role, it will be interesting to see who ends up starting opposite of Pickens.
USA Today
Steelers' George Pickens.
With a revamped receivers room, Miller will have his work cut out for him to make the roster. Do yinz think he has a shot? Click to comment below!
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