Wide receiver is a position that the Pittsburgh Steelers need to address with urgency.
With Russell Wilson confirmed as the team’s starting quarterback through 2024 with the trade of Dionte Johnson to the Carolina Panthers, it will be imperative to surround him with as many weapons as possible to build up the offense for success.
After dealing for Johnson, the Steelers acquired Van Jefferson and Quez Watkins; but, in 2023, the two wide receivers combined for just 351 receiving yards.
The Pittsburgh Steelers do not have a wide receiver signed to their 2024 roster who recorded more than 209 receiving yards in the previous season, other from George Pickens.
There were rumors that the Pittsburgh executives were in negotiations to sign free agent Tyler Boyd of the Bengals, but more recent sources said that the talks had broken down.
Significant speculations have also connected San Francisco 49ers All-Pro Brandon Aiyuk, who has expressed dissatisfaction with his present contract, to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The 49ers are saying they have no interest in trading for Aiyuk, despite reports that the Steelers brass has contacted them about him.
In 2023, the 49ers standout recorded career highs of 1,342 receiving yards and 17.9 yards per catch. In addition, he has 7 touchdowns and 75 catches.
“If the Steelers were ready to cough up some draft cash, this could be an underappreciated strong move,” Farabaugh wrote. “Slayton still has a reasonable contract in place, and getting a new one won’t break the bank.
“Even in the case of a new contract, Slayton’s contract does not prevent the team from paying George Pickens after this season, as per theory.”
