The Pittsburgh Steelers' wide receiver room has been a significant concern throughout the 2024 offseason, starting with the decision to trade Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers. Johnson was reportedly causing headaches within the organization, prompting the trade, but it left the Steelers in a precarious position at wide receiver.
While the Steelers have George Pickens, they lack a proven and reliable wide receiver two; at least, in the eyes of many pundits. After a disappointing offensive performance in the 2023 season, the Steelers hired Arthur Smith as their new offensive coordinator.
Concerns have been raised about whether Smith can succeed with a wide receiver group featuring Pickens, Van Jefferson, and Calvin Austin III as the starters. However, it’s worth noting that when Smith helped lead the Tennessee Titans to the AFC Championship game in 2019, he didn’t have much in his wide receiver room either. Popular sports personality and Steelers fan Tone Digs recently highlighted this on social media.
Smith served as the offensive coordinator for the Titans during the 2019 and 2020 seasons, where he revived the struggling career of quarterback Ryan Tannehill. Under Smith's guidance, Tannehill transformed from a below-average NFL quarterback to a Pro Bowler in 2019, throwing for 55 touchdowns and just 13 interceptions over those two seasons. If Smith could achieve that with Tannehill, imagine what he could do with veteran quarterback Russell Wilson in 2024.
What makes Smith and Tannehill’s accomplishments even more impressive is the fact that the Titans' wide receiver room during those years was actually less proven and talented than the Steelers' current group for the 2024 season.
This should give Steeler Nation some reassurance. Smith had AJ Brown, who was a rookie at the time and, while he turned out to be great, there were valid concerns about the receiver room since no one knew Brown would become one of the league’s best wide receivers.
Beyond Brown, Smith had to work with receivers like Corey Davis, Adam Humphries and Tajae Sharpe. The situation in 2019 is very similar to what the Steelers are facing in 2024. In fact, many would argue that the Steelers' wide receiver room is much stronger than what Smith had in 2019.
Smith also utilized a tight end by committee approach during his time with the Titans, a strategy he's likely to implement with the Steelers in 2024. In Tennessee, Smith worked with Jonnu Smith, Delanie Walker, Anthony Firkser and MyCole Pruitt; hardly the cream of the crop, yet the offense thrived under his guidance.
The Steelers and Smith certainly have more talent in the tight end room this season. Notably, Smith has reunited with Pruitt, who, while not expected to play a significant role, brings familiarity that could be valuable. The Steelers also have Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington and Connor Heyward, all of whom are poised to make an impact.
Freiermuth is expected to have a breakout season, Washington will likely see increased involvement in the passing game, and Heyward is set to be utilized in various ways. It’s likely that Smith will adopt a committee approach again, spreading out the target share with Pickens leading the way.
Steelers' Smith Has Plenty Of Talent On Offense
If Smith could help lead the Titans to the AFC Championship Game in 2019, with victories over the New England Patriots and the Baltimore Ravens, using the offense he had, Steelers fans should feel confident that he can achieve similar success in 2024 with more resources at his disposal.
While Smith had the benefit of running back Derrick Henry, he now has Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, who can be just as effective (f not more) in a dynamic duo, by-committee approach. Both Harris and Warren are also capable of contributing in the receiving game.
Steelers fans and pundits may be overemphasizing concerns about the wide receiver room. Given Smith's track record, there's reason to believe he'll do just fine with the talent the Steelers have on hand.
