The Pittsburgh Steelers have fielded a bottom-half offense every season since 2018. But one analyst believes there’s a path to becoming a legitimate playoff-caliber unit with one more offseason acquisition.
“If Pittsburgh hopes to make Rodgers’ last ride a memorable one, it should add a little more to its receiving corps,” Kristopher Knox wrote for Bleacher Report. “DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. should make a solid receiver duo. However, rookies Germie Bernard and Kaden Wetjen are unproven, and Pittsburgh’s overall receiver depth is lacking. Adding a vet like [DeAndre] Hopkins or Stefon Diggs would help give the Steelers a playoff-caliber offense.”
Pittsburgh’s receiving corps is unquestionably improved from last season. Their old No. 2 receiver was Calvin Austin III, who just signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract with the New York Giants. Now they have Michael Pittman Jr., who has been a No. 1 receiver for the Colts for several seasons.
Beyond Metcalf and Pittman, Pittsburgh is still relying heavily on projection. Roman Wilson never established consistent chemistry with Rodgers last season, and Bernard and Wetjen are rookies. Rodgers has a long history of not meshing well with rookies due to his high expectations for running precise routes and understanding pre-snap signals.
Pittsburgh is one injury away from a very similar WR situation to last year. Bernard offers more upside than anyone Pittsburgh had behind its top options last season, but he’s still a rookie. Fortunately, Bernard is already drawing rave reviews for his level of preparation as a rookie.
I don’t think Diggs is the answer, even if he is the most talented option available. Pittsburgh has emphasized locker-room fit and stability lately, which could make Diggs an awkward match despite his talent. Ditto with Tyreek Hill, who would cost too much for the Steelers anyway.
Hopkins is an interesting option, but others include Deebo Samuel, Curtis Samuel, and Keenan Allen. Noah Brown could also make sense as a lower-level option, especially given his past connection to Mike McCarthy with the Dallas Cowboys.
With Aaron Rodgers’ continuity, further investment in the offensive line, and improved weapons at all skill positions, the offense has a real chance to crack the top half of the league for the first time in nearly a decade. One injury in the wide receiver room could derail that, which is why one more veteran addition could make sense.