PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Still the deepest position on the team, especially with the surprise return of JuJu Smith-Schuster. Steelers are stacked at wide receiver. Will they use them differently this year? Will they get more downfield opportunities?
Last year the Steelers top three receivers combined for 247 catches, 2,627 yards and 25 touchdowns. The catches and TD receptions were solid, the yards per catch barley over 10 and a half.
WIDE RECEIVERS (11) – Rico Bussey, Chase Claypool, Anthony Johnson, Diontae Johnson, Ray-Ray McCloud, Isaiah McKoy, Mathew Sexton, Tyler Simmons, JuJu Smith-Schuster, James Washington, Cody White
STARTERS – Smith-Schuster, Diontae Johnson and Claypool each went over 800 yards last year and anticipate they are looking forward to a more aggressive offensive game plan allowing them to run longer routes and improve their yards per catch.
JuJu is on a one-year contract and looking for a big payday. He's never lacked incentive and always played hard anyway. This is a huge year for him.
Diontae Johnson had 88 catches last year and essentially missed three games of the season. In eight games Johnson caught at least six passes, and likely will be the number one if JuJu leaves. Johnson becomes a free agent in 2023, so an opportunity to set himself up for the Steelers year before free agency multi-year contract.
Claypool is coming off a really good rookie year with 12 catches and 209 yards combined in his last three games. He's shown he's a multiple threat and could have a bigger role in that regard under offensive coordinator Matt Canada.
BACK UP – James Washington has shown flashes catching 30 passes in 2021, but hasn't been the downfield threat the Steelers had hoped drafting him in the second round in 2018. This is the final year of his rookie contract on a team still with a tight salary cap. Potential sleeper Ray-Ray McCloud is also a free agent after the season.
There is an outside chance one of the young receivers makes an impact in camp to work a roster spot, likely a few of this group end up on the practice squad.
OUTLOOK – Last year the Steelers built their offense around getting the receivers the ball and allowing them to make plays. This year the plan is for them to get fewer opportunities, but likely more chances to make big plays.
