No. 2 Receiver Excessive On Steelers’ Purchasing Listing

For the Pittsburgh Steelers, a No. 1 objective this offseason is to discover a No. 2. Vast receiver, that’s. In keeping with what he informed reporters earlier this week, proprietor Artwork Rooney II made clear that the offense wants a beginning wideout reverse WR George Pickens.

“We have to add to that room,” Rooney informed WPXI’s Jenna Harner in a 1v1 interview Thursday. “We did attempt to add, let’s say a quantity two receiver to the room final 12 months. And didn’t fairly get what we needed. And in order that’s gonna be on the checklist this 12 months, for certain.”

Rooney didn’t supply specifics, however the Steelers’ makes an attempt so as to add huge receiver assist are well-documented. The saga over San Francisco 49ers’ wideout Brandon Aiyuk was exhausting, starting within the spring and stretching into the tip of August. They might have had curiosity within the Las Vegas Raiders’ Davante Adams, however he had eyes on linking up with former QB Aaron Rodgers in New York. And the workforce was reportedly set to commerce for Jacksonville’s Christian Kirk earlier than he broke his collarbone and was knocked out for the season.

Ultimately, Pittsburgh solely managed to herald Mike Williams from the Jets. He caught simply 9 passes in 9 video games, making a handful of downfield catches, however little influence after his game-winning rating towards the Washington Commanders in his Steelers’ debut.

With a room that felt empty, Pittsburgh has work to do. Calvin Austin III had a breakout 12 months of types and contributed massive performs, however he’s finest served in a No. 3 function moderately than every-down starter. Roman Wilson will enter his sophomore season with a clear slate after being dogged by accidents as a rookie, showing in a single recreation and failing to catch a go. Neither will stop the workforce from making an enormous swing this offseason. A veteran feels extra doubtless than a rookie given the Steelers’ plentiful cap house, deep free agent pool, and comparatively weak huge receiver draft class.

Rooney’s feedback additionally trace at protecting George Pickens for the ultimate 12 months of his rookie deal. The actual fact he’s referring to a No. 2 receiver implies Pickens will keep because the No. 1. In fact, that’s no ironclad assure, and if Pickens turns into a difficulty in the hunt for a contract extension this summer time or if Pittsburgh is blown away by a proposal, he might nonetheless be on the transfer. However the almost definitely course is standing pat. No extension, no commerce, and a brand new face beginning reverse him.