Steelers' Most Intriguing Wide Receiver Options Remain Too Inferior To Be Worth The Risk

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been reportedly in the market for a wide receiver two since they traded Diontae Johnson. They have George Pickens and then a slew of depth pieces, like Calvin Austin III and Van Jefferson. Initially, with Justin Fields under center, it wasn't leaving such an obvious hole. 

However, Head Coach Mike Tomlin boldly decided to start Russell Wilson for the team's Week 7 game against the New York Jets. Wilson was the intended starter when the Steelers signed him, but an injury forced him out and thrust Fields under center. With Wilson leading the offense, he threw for two touchdowns and ran for a third, all while throwing for 264 yards, which was a franchise record for a debut start. 

His performance ramped up the talk about trading for a receiver. They already missed on Brandon Aiyuk and Davante Adams. The Los Angeles Rams receiver Cooper Kupp was reportedly being shopped around, but after they beat the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday night, Head Coach Sean McVey said Kupp is not going anywhere as well. 

Ray Fittipaldo from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette joined Joe Starkey on Friday on the Joe Starkey Show on 93.7 The Fan. Starkey asked Fittipaldo about some of the remaining possibilities, such as Darius Slayton, Mike Williams, and Adam Thielen. Fittipaldo said he isn't sold on any of them. 

"Darius Slayton, he's a good player," admitted Fittipaldo. "Is he a true number two? I don't know. He's a number two for the Giants, but is he gonna be a guy that can improve the offense? I probably view him more like a three. Probably be the Steelers' second-best receiver, not gonna argue that, but I just don't know what I would give up to get him. I suppose I'd give up a fifth, but I wouldn't go much higher than that."

He said he isn't a fan of the idea of signing Williams from the Jets. Williams has had a slew of injuries, including an ACL tear and some to his back, neck, and ankle. At 30, he has an almost 80% chance of suffering an injury this season. In addition, recent stats have emerged that show he doesn't pick up many yards after the catch either.

According to Fittipaldo, Williams' one upside is that he could be had for "almost nothing." He would easily fit within the Steelers' salary cap, but Fittipaldo said he doesn't think he brings much value to the team. 

"There just aren't many good players who are still available," lamented Fittipaldo. "Thielen would be like a poor man's Cooper Kupp. Really, really good receiver a few years ago when he was in his prime, but he's not in his prime anymore. So, what do you give the Panthers? A sixth or a seventh?"

The argument that Thielen had 1,000 yards in 2023 with the Carolina Panthers, who had the worst offense last season, doesn't carry enough weight for Fittipaldo. He said that at 34 years old, he just doesn't see Thielen making a major positive impact. Currently on the Panthers' injured reserve thanks to a hamstring injury, Thielen's return window just opened, giving them 21 days.  

Steelers' Roman Wilson Still Battling Back

The Steelers may not have gone after a big-name receiver, but they did draft Roman Wilson in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Fans were excited to see what the young standout from Michigan could do in black and gold. 

Unfortunately, Wilson suffered a sprained ankle in training camp and has only been active for one game this season. Now, news is out that he is also battling a new hamstring injury. While the season is far from over, Wilson is beginning to look like other rookies with a lost season. Austin and Cory Trice Jr. suffered season-ending injuries during camp during their rookie year. 

Wilson will likely be inactive against the New York Giants since he did not practice on Thursday. Hopefully, he will be able to become that impact player he was projected to be after the bye. 

What do you think about the remaining wide receivers? Click to comment below. 

#SteelerNation