The majority of the best free agents have already been signed this offseason, and the team does not currently have a reliable option on the field to serve as their WR2.

They may search for their WR2 later in the draft as a result of this assumption.

The squad’s second pass-catching option, according to a writer for the official website, may already be on the roster.

According to Dale Lolley of Steelers.com, the team may use tight end Pat Freiermuth as a backup option for receiving passes.

Steelers’ Options for Catching Passes
It is clear who the Steelers’ preferred target in 2024 will be, whether it is Russell Wilson or Justin Fields behind center.

In his second NFL season, George Pickens recorded 63 receptions for 1140 yards, making him the obvious standout of the passing game.

The alternatives at receiver are even less intriguing after him.

Calvin Austin, Quez Watkins, and Van Jefferson are the next choices on the depth chart.

 

Jefferson spent time with the Rams and Falcons, totaling 20 receptions for 209 yards.

Throughout his career, Austin has 17 catches for 180 yards.

In the event that the Steelers are unable to choose their top pick in the first few rounds of the NFL Draft, Freiermuth may end up behind Pickens as the team’s go-to option in the passing game.

Why Freiermuth Might Have the Solution
Before Freiermuth begins his fourth season in the NFL, a lot is going in his favor.

Smith was third on the team in receiving yards that season.

The following year, Smith and Firkser combined for 835 yards. Smith was once again third on the team in receiving yards and the offense finished the year fourth in scoring.

In Smith’s first season as a head coach, Kyle Pitts made 68 catches for 1026 yards as a rookie.

In 2023, Arthur Smith was reunited with Jonnu Smith and the tight end combined with Pitts for more than 1200 yards.

The Steelers don’t have much competition at tight end for Freiermuth, so he could soak up all of that usage at the position.