This is the 11th and final in a series on the Steelers’ roster as the team prepares to report to training camp at Saint Vincent College July 23. Today: Wide Receiver
Wide Receivers: DK Metcalf, Calvin Austin III, Robert Woods, Roman Wilson, Ben Skowronek, Scotty Miller, Lance McCutcheon, Brandon Johnson, Roc Taylor, Ke’Shawn Williams, Montana Lemonius-Craig
Yes, it was intriguing to think about what the pairing of DK Metcalf and George Pickens would look like in the Steelers’ lineup. But in the end, the Steelers decided not to test Pickens’ volatility and he was traded for a 2026 third-round draft pick to Dallas.
That puts Calvin Austin III in pole position for a starting spot opposite Metcalf.
Wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni feels Austin has what it takes to be the Steelers’ No. 2 receiver. Last season, he caught 36 passes for 548 yards and four touchdowns, setting career highs across the board.
“Everyone’s downplaying, underplaying our group right now,” Azzanni said at mini-camp. “I love it that way. I don’t want anyone looking at us anyway. It’ll be good. So I think that two spot is all Calvin’s. And really him and DK are such different players, there’s going to be plays where he is the one guy, ’cause that’s his route and vice versa, because they’re so different in stature.”
Beyond Metcalf and Austin, the Steelers have some interesting options.
Robert Woods was signed in free agency. At 33, his best days are behind him, but the veteran can be counted on to be where he is supposed to be. He’s also an excellent downfield blocker.
Roman Wilson was a third-round draft pick last season, but ankle and hamstring injuries limited him to five plays all season. He returned to practice late in the season, but the Steelers didn’t have any injuries at the position to open a roster spot for a rookie who had missed so much time.
Skowronek, meanwhile, was a nice addition early last season, especially on special teams. But he’s also a good blocker and sneaky pass catcher. He was re-signed after becoming an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.
Miller also was re-signed in free agency. Miller had just five catches for 69 yards, but several of his catches came in big moments.
Lance McCutcheon appeared in 10 games for the Rams in 2022, failing to make a catch, but recording two tackles. He spent the 2023 and 2024 seasons on the practice squads of the Texans and Jets but signed with the Steelers’ practice squad Oct. 14 of last season.
Brandon Johnson spent the 2024 season with the Steelers, both on and off the active roster and practice squad, catching one pass for nine yards. In two seasons in Denver, he caught 25 passes for 326 yards and five touchdowns.