The Pittsburgh Steelers have some clear holes on the roster that need to be patched up prior to the 2025 season beginning. Many of those holes are on the offensive side of the football, and they come at important positions. Quarterback is still up in the air, and the Steelers would like to add another weapon in the passing game after trading away George Pickens. Reports emerged on Thursday that Pittsburgh would be interested in acquiring another playmaker, and that the organization has even reached out to the Miami Dolphins to inquire about tight end Jonnu Smith.
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Dolphins' Jonnu Smith runs with the football during the Pro Bowl.
Pittsburgh can look throughout the entire NFL to land another playmaker. There are several big names still available in free agency, including Amari Cooper or Keenan Allen. However, the Steelers might want a younger option that has some upside for the future. One interesting place to look for an option like that is in Massachusetts with the New England Patriots. The franchise has been trying to figure out the wide receiver position for some time, and it feels like the Patriots might finally have a handle on it. This could leave some players on the outside looking in, including second year player Javon Baker.
Patriots beat-writer Mark Daniels recently wrote about how Baker has performed throughout Organized Team Activities (OTAs), and things have not been going well for the young wide receiver as he tries to make a mark on a new coaching staff.
"After securing the ball, Baker flexed his right arm and started to jog very slowly to the sideline," Daniels wrote. "That drew the ire of [Mike] Vrabel because the other 10 Patriots offensive players were in the huddle waiting for Baker to return. The receiver didn’t realize that until Vrabel had words for him. That’s when Baker picked up the pace and ran back to the huddle for the next play. This kind of behavior was seen last summer."
It sounds like Baker has not made the best first impression on his new head coach, which doesn't bode well for him when it comes to making the final roster at the end of August. He could find himself on the outside looking in, especially under the new regime that has no attachment to the wide receiver.
USATSI
Patriots' Javon Baker during his rookie season in 2024.
Fans were excited about Baker after New England selected him in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, but his rookie season was certainly underwhelming as he only saw the field in 11 games and caught just one pass for 12 yards. A season like that can definitely hurt a player's confidence, which is why he might be having some of the issues he is now.
Daniels wrote more about where Baker currently stands within the organization.
"On Wednesday, Kendrick Bourne, Kayshon Boutte, Kyle Williams, and DeMario Douglas were the receivers playing with Maye," Daniels wrote. "Even with Stefon Diggs, Mack Hollins, and Ja’Lynn Polk not participating, Baker found himself catching passes in team drills from backup quarterbacks."
New England was missing three of its top wide receivers on Wednesday, and Baker was still sitting on the sideline. He should certainly become available at some point, and the Steelers could take a flyer on the young player as he could benefit from a change of scenery.
Steelers Could Be Patient If They Target Javon Baker
New England will likely end up keeping six wide receivers on the final roster, which is pretty standard. Based off of Daniels' reporting, and common sense, Baker would likely be behind Stefon Diggs, DeMario Douglas, Kendrick Bourne, and Mack Hollins. Those are likely guarantees. Other wide receivers Baker could be behind are rookie Kyle Williams, Ja'Lynn Polk, and Kayshon Boutte. Baker has a long road ahead of him when it comes to making the final roster.
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Steelers General Manager Omar Khan holds up a phone to his ear as he stands in the team's War Room during the 2025 NFL Draft.
Pittsburgh could wait until Baker is released, or the organization could attempt to trade for him. Waiting for his release is clearly the better option as Pittsburgh wouldn't have to give anything up, but the franchise could then be competing with other team's around the league to acquire Baker's services.
What do you think of Baker? Let us know in the comments below!
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