One of the most talked about things for the Pittsburgh Steelers leading into training camp in 2024 was their wide receiver depth chart. The team made some bold moves earlier this offseason, moving on from a pair of veterans.
Allen Robinson was released ahead of free agency, while Diontae Johnson was traded to the Carolina Panthers. That left the Steelers dangerously thin on established options behind George Pickens.
In free agency, the team signed plenty of options at wide receiver. Van Jefferson, Quez Watkins, Scott Miller and hybrid Cordarrelle Patterson were all brought on board. They will all have a chance to earn a starting spot opposite of Pickens.
However, that role could be earned by rookie Roman Wilson. A third-round pick out of Michigan, Wilson has been turning heads at the start of training camp.
Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report has highlighted the former Michigan standout as one of the eight NFL rookies shining early on.
“There isn’t a whole lot decided about the Steelers offense outside of Pickens being the No. 1 receiver. Wilson seems to be doing what he can to carve out a role that could make him a considerable part of their plan early on,” Ballentine wrote.
Praised for his route running during the pre-draft process, Wilson has showcased that talent early in camp.
“He separated various routes from the slot, including out routes; the slot fades, a dig, crossers, and a drag route. The Steelers have started experimenting with him playing on the outside, too, and Justin Fields has grown more fond of Wilson recently,” Nick Farabaugh of Penn Live wrote about Wilson in a piece highlighting stars from that day of practice.
Rumors have swirled about the Steelers potentially looking to acquire a wide receiver via trade. Brandon Aiyuk of the San Francisco 49ers has been linked to Pittsburgh continuously.
That would be a costly acquisition, as the 49ers would want premium draft capital on top of the long-term extension Aiyuk is seeking. Aiyuk would be a huge upgrade for this offense, but the urgency to add a wide receiver will lessen if Wilson continues to prove that he is ready to contribute.
