After several years of poor performances, the Pittsburgh Steelers worked hard this offseason to improve their offense. They added proven veterans like Aaron Rodgers and DK Metcalf to give them an influx of talent. However, that unit still has major question marks. Former NFL offensive lineman Brian Baldinger thinks that wide receiver is still a spot that the Steelers need to upgrade.
“I do still think they need a receiver,” Baldinger said recently on The Best Football Show podcast. “I think DK [Metcalf] is really good. It can’t all go to DK. And the tight ends are going to catch passes, and they will.
“But I’m not sure if [Calvin] Austin [III] and [Roman] Wilson are enough. Now, maybe I’ve got to see more of Roman Wilson and Robert Woods. Maybe I’ve got to see more of those guys. It feels like they’re an elite receiver away from being a great offense.”
The Steelers dealt with this issue last year. They had George Pickens, but their depth behind him wasn’t good enough. Earlier this offseason, it looked like they had solved that problem by trading for Metcalf. However, they sent George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys, creating a void at receiver again.
There was hope that someone like Austin or Wilson would show significant growth during training camp. While Wilson has gotten better after a slow start to camp, it’s still unclear at what level he can play. He missed basically all of his rookie season, so he might be in for a steep learning curve.
Meanwhile, Austin had a fine 2024, showing that he could be a factor in the Steelers’ offense, but an injury has held him back in camp. He missed a handful of practices, and there’s no telling if he can continue on an upward trajectory.
The rest of the Steelers’ wide receiver room doesn’t inspire much hope, either. Ben Skowronek provides more value on special teams. The Steelers signed Robert Woods this season, but at 33 years old, he likely doesn’t have much left in the tank. And he may have fallen behind Scotty Miller if they are battling for one of the last WR spots on the 53-man roster.
Now with training camp over and the preseason in full swing, there aren’t many options for the Steelers to add an elite receiver. Terry McLaurin might be their best option. He’s in the middle of a contract dispute with the Washington Commanders, and he’s requested a trade. However, if the Steelers trade for him, they’ll also have to give him a big contract extension, which could complicate things.
There are other receivers who could be available, but none who feel like realistic options for the Steelers are elite. Like in 2024, they could continue to search for an upgrade at wideout, but it’s slim pickings this time of year. They might be stuck with what they have.
