The Pittsburgh Steelers are acutely aware of their glaring need for wide receivers, something GM Omar Khan has acknowledged, albeit indirectly. Last offseason, the team made efforts to snag a top-tier talent through a trade but came up short, ultimately acquiring Mike Williams as a consolation at the trade deadline.
This move clearly wasn’t sufficient, and the Steelers are determined not to be caught in a similar bind again. As the NFL Scouting Combine unfolded, Khan openly discussed the strategies surrounding the Steelers’ wide receiver situation and their plans to address it.
“You have to assess all possible angles,” Khan noted when asked about exploring both free agency and the draft. “Sometimes, it might mean pursuing both paths. You can never tell. If there’s a chance to bolster your team, that opportunity could arise from the draft, free agency, or even potential trades.”
A prevailing sentiment among fans and analysts is that the Steelers need not just one, but at least two receivers—maybe even more. With George Pickens potentially staying put unless traded, the team lacks other reliable options. Although they brought in Roman Wilson last year, he wasn’t quite ready for prime time.
Should the Bengals opt not to put the franchise tag on Tee Higgins, as has been rumored, he’d become the most coveted free agent wide receiver. While Cincinnati has voiced their intent to re-sign him, Higgins himself has expressed doubts about their genuine interest. However, even if everything falls into place, the chances of Higgins donning a Steelers jersey seem slim.
That said, there are more attainable veteran targets for the Steelers, such as Keenan Allen and Darius Slayton. Additionally, the Rams have plans to release Cooper Kupp, and Deebo Samuel is actively seeking a trade from the 49ers.
In any case, even if they manage to nab a seasoned veteran, the draft remains crucial. Recent buzz connects them to Ohio State WR Emeka Egbuka as a potential first-round pick, who could inject a much-needed dose of professionalism into their lineup.
Once upon a time, the Steelers were renowned for their stellar wide receiver rosters, a reputation that’s slowly dwindling with each passing year. While they do discover promising talents, these players often bring more trouble than they’re worth.
George Pickens exemplifies this current quandary, stirring debate over whether the team should trade him this offseason. Given their current lack of options, most agree that trading Pickens would leave the team with a barren wide receiver corps.
Heading into the new season, the Steelers are likely to retain at least three wide receivers from their previous roster. Besides Pickens, they’ll have Calvin Austin III, who’s seen as a reliable No. 4 option at the very least. Roman Wilson is also in the mix, possibly ready for a bigger role by 2025. Nonetheless, they can’t afford to be as passive as last season. Employing a diversified approach is crucial; it’s far better to have an abundance of wide receivers than to struggle with a shortage when it matters most.
