PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Steelers feel like they have a consistent star in trading for DK Metcalf. They believe he’s an elite player and they could still add another to the receiver room.
Metcalf has at least 900 yards in every one of his six seasons in Seattle. Likely the best Steelers number one receiver since Antonio Brown, although he’s a different build at 6’4”, 229 pounds.
“To be that big, that fast, that physical, to have that kind of ability to initiate your horsepower and accelerate the way he does, it's unique,” said Steelers assistant general manager Andy Weidl Thursday. “There are not many players like that in the NFL, and he's been great. He makes big plays out there every day, it seems like in camp. So really excited about that.”
There has been an opening for the number two receiver. It’s not that they don’t have one, they believe Calvin Austin is the compliment to Metcalf, but he has missed much of the last couple of weeks with an undisclosed injury and he has yet to even work his way back in any drills.
Missing much of last year due to not being ready physically or mentally, second-year receiver Roman Wilson has improved. Tomlin said he likes the trajectory of his growth. The 6-footer makes plays when called upon, works hard and has a can-do attitude. Tomlin also acknowledged that improvement should happen for a second-year player.
Weidl said you saw a little of that progress from Wilson in the first preseason game last week. Weidl also praised Scotty Miller, who just doesn’t seem to make a mistake and the couple of undrafted free agents have had their moments. Ke’Shawn Williams and Max Hurleman scored against Jacksonville.
“They all showed up, and made plays last week, which was exciting,” Weidl said. “We're good there watching these guys grow and develop.”
But.
“We're always going to keep an eye open if a player becomes available,” Weidl said. “We talked about it last year; we always do our due diligence. That's our job. Any player that becomes available, any position in the league that's on us, we have to know the player. And you know, right player, right price you look at it.”
There were no specifics. There are several former veteran receivers who remain available free agents (Odell Beckham, Gabe Davis, Amari Cooper, Tyler Boyd). Beckham teased his love of the Steelers during a podcast this week, Davis visited the Steelers during off-season workouts, Boyd is from Clairton HS and Pitt. There will be wide receivers released by other teams who will be available in just over a week.
It’s a unique situation because the team has a pair of impact tight ends (Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith) and a huge target (Darnell Washington) third tight end to go with Metcalf that could easily make up the first four receivers. They also have multi-purpose running backs in Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell.
There are two preseason games left for those currently on the roster to keep the team from searching, but expect at least a look at an additional receiver.