The Steelers’ passing offense this season will still rely on its wide receiver corps despite the addition of well-known quarterbacks like Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. According to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Pittsburgh has been looking for an experienced receiver to go with rising star George Pickens after selling away Diontae Johnson and witnessing Allen Robinson leave in free agency.
It’s not as though the Steelers haven’t addressed the issue following the exits of Robinson and Johnson. Van Jefferson and Quez Watkins are two of the team’s more seasoned wide receivers, but even though they both had excellent sophomore seasons, neither has shown to be a steady, trustworthy backup wide receiver. It’s possible that Pittsburgh intends to put Cordarrelle Patterson back in the wide receiver position, but it’s more probable that the team will keep searching for a seasoned veteran addition.
This summer, the Steelers have already given a number of these free agents a test drive. They signed division opponent Tyler Boyd, a former student at neighboring Pitt, although it is said that they are no longer in the running following a lackluster offer. In addition, the team signed veteran Mike Williams from the Chargers, who may have been a good fit for Pickens after serving as Keenan Allen’s backup wide receiver for years. However, Mike Williams signed with the Jets and Aaron Rodgers instead.
According to Dulac, Brandon Aiyuk has also caught the attention of the Steelers among the experienced wide receivers. Since Aiyuk is not a free agent, Pittsburgh cannot host the 49ers receiver to give him a personal assessment. Furthermore, even though Aiyuk and the 49ers are at odds in their extension talks, Aiyuk has not sent the team a trade request. According to reports, San Francisco is aggressively rejecting foreign parties’ trade inquiries.
As much as the Steelers would like to entice Aiyuk to Pittsburgh, they can only take so much action before the 49ers give in and take part. Pittsburgh will have to keep taking chances elsewhere till then. Boyd is still accessible. Hunter Renfrow, Odell Beckham Jr., Michael Gallup, and Michael Thomas are also free agents. There are a few well-known veterans in free agency. All the Steelers have to do is decide which ones work best with their updated offensive scheme.
