The Pittsburgh Steelers made the big decision to move on from the uber-talented 24-year-old wide receiver George Pickens. Now that Pickens is gone, it has created some discomfort among the fan base about the state of the wide receiver room. The move shocked many, considering Pickens’ potential and playmaking ability, and it has left fans wondering who will step up in his absence.
Associated Press
Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf speaks while getting introduced to the Pittsburgh media.
DK Metcalf is the certified star of this room, and his presence gives the Steelers a dominant physical target. However, after Metcalf, there are real concerns. Calvin Austin III has speed, but lacks full confidence from the fan base. Roman Wilson is promising, but unproven. Robert Woods brings experience, but is clearly in the later stages of his career. Beyond these players, the Steelers have a few lesser-known names, but none have yet established themselves as reliable contributors.
Steelers insider Brian Batko revealed three exciting options for the Steelers during his chat for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Monday. He noted that the front office is still exploring ways to improve the receiver group. Whether it’s a trade or a late free agent signing, the Steelers could be keeping all options open to give whoever is the quarterback and the offense a better chance to succeed.
"I've pulled up the league-wide WR depth chart," Batko said. "And I will use it to throw some names at you: Packers WR Romeo Doubs, Packers WR Christian Watson, Tampa WR Jalen McMillan."
It’s important to clarify that Batko isn’t saying the Steelers have officially reported or even rumored interest in these three wide receiver options. Rather, he’s suggesting that given the depth and talent on teams like the Green Bay Packers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, it might make sense for the Steelers to explore potential trade opportunities. All three players Batko mentioned would be solid additions to the Steelers’ wide receiver room, but they each come with different profiles and levels of risk.
Dan Powers / USA Today Network
Packers' Romeo Doubs celebrates a big play with his teammates in 2024.
One of the players linked to the Steelers in some capacity is Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs. If the Steelers were to bring in Aaron Rodgers as their quarterback for the 2025 season, Doubs would have the advantage of existing chemistry, having played alongside Rodgers during the 2022 season in Green Bay. At 25 years old, Doubs offers youth and reliability, making him a promising option to help strengthen Pittsburgh’s receiving corps.
Christian Watson, also with the Packers, is a very talented 26-year-old wide receiver who presents another potential target. However, Watson’s career has been hampered by injuries, which raises concerns about his durability. When healthy, Watson is a dynamic downfield threat and productive receiver, but his injury history makes him a riskier proposition.
Perhaps the most intriguing option Batko mentioned is Jalen McMillan, a 23-year-old who had a solid rookie season with the Buccaneers. McMillan caught 37 passes for 461 yards, averaging 12.5 yards per catch, and scored 8 receiving touchdowns. With Tampa Bay’s wide receiver room crowded—especially after drafting Emeka Egbuka in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft—there’s speculation that the Buccaneers might be open to discussing a trade involving McMillan.
Steelers' Offense Is Set To Look Very Differently In 2025
The Steelers’ offense underwent a massive overhaul following the 2024 season. Both Justin Fields and Russell Wilson, the quarterbacks who saw significant playing time for Pittsburgh in 2024, left in free agency. Running back Najee Harris also departed, and Pickens was traded to the Dallas Cowboys.
Eric Hartline / USA Today
Steelers running back Najee Harris gets tackled by two Eagles defenders as the two franchises compete in a regular season football game at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA.
With these key offensive players now on new teams, the Steelers are betting on a younger, fresher group with fewer off-field distractions to spark improvement. The front office believes this revamped offense will perform better and create more consistency.
It will be fascinating to see how the new additions, especially a dynamic player like Metcalf, fit into the offense and contribute in 2025. Steelers fans are eager to watch how this fresh-look offense comes together and whether it can deliver the results the team needs.
#SteelerNation
