The Pittsburgh Steelers have been caught in the middle of the Brandon Aiyuk rumors all offseason. Most fans have been talking about how trading for Aiyuk could fix a glaring hole in the Pittsburgh receiver core, with George Pickens being the only established starting wide-out on the team. However, there is a whole lot more to the Steelers' story than the organization just doing everything they can to trade for the disgruntled receiver, and the team knows it. Aiyuk is not as big of a deal as he is made out to be for the Black and Gold.
Cameron Heyward made an appearance on the Up & Adams Show with Kay Adams to talk about the state of the Steelers. Kay Adams really liked the idea of the Steelers trading for Aiyuk, which Heyward quickly shot down, stating that there's already plenty of players who would want the ball in their hands regularly.
"There's plenty of balls to go around: George [Pickens], Pat Freiermuth, our running backs out of the backfield, even Van Jefferson. These guys are going to demand the ball; we got to get them the ball, and so, some of that comes with staying on the field and having a lot of success, and I think we have the offense to do it."
At the very least, the running backs will get plenty of touches, especially in a run-first system like Arthur Smith's. The Steelers will be a run-heavy team with the passing game being more of a complement, as opposed to being the focal point of the team. Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren are both looking to earn a new contract after this season, so they will be giving it their all while splitting touches.
Did Heyward Reveal Steelers' Plan For Starting Receiver?
Obviously, Pickens will be the top receiver on the team, but behind him, there is just a huge question mark. The Steelers signed Van Jefferson and Quez Watkins, then they drafted Roman Wilson in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. There is still training camp coming up, and that camp competition will determine the pecking order. However, the Steelers may already know who their other starting receiver is.
Out of all the receivers that Heyward could have named after Pickens, he picked Jefferson. He had been rumored to be the current starting receiver throughout the offseason, and Heyward may have just confirmed that. It wouldn't be Wilson or Watkins demanding the ball a lot; it would be the free agent signing that came over with Smith from the Atlanta Falcons.
Wilson has been hyped up as a draft steal, and if he can show off his talent throughout training camp. He could eventually become the next starting receiver if all goes as planned. He was also known as a run blocker, so if he can excel in that regard, the Steelers will have to find a way to get him on the field regularly. Until then, it's likely Jefferson's job to lose.
Heyward also mentioned that Pat Freiermuth will need some touches. After a very disappointing 2023 campaign where very few targets came his way, he needs a bounce back year. The hope is that with a new combination at offensive coordinator and quarterback, the Steelers will finally utilize the middle of the field. If that's the case, Freiermuth can finally have his much-anticipated breakout season.
The Steelers are still in an unusual situation entering the 2024 season. The wide receiver position has been a constant strength for the team for decades, but now, it's seen as a weakness. If Jefferson can prove to be a starting-caliber receiver and Wilson can develop, those critiques will die off. Until then, it's put up or shut up time.
