PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Some coaches might pass on the question, Mike Tomlin at times will pass on questions. On Tuesday, hours before the trade deadline the Steelers head coach made his thoughts clear on potentially adding a wide receiver.
“We work the trade market, not only at that position, but all positions,” Tomlin said at his weekly news conference. “I think every team does particularly those of us that are trying to lean in as the road gets narrow.”
“I acknowledge we are active participants in trade discussions, but we always are. I wouldn’t read too much into that behavior. I think that just normal, prudent business if you are trying to be a developing world championship outfit.”
Tomlin said having Russell Wilson as the starting quarterback doesn’t change their desire to add talent. Then Tomlin said something that is a key for the Steelers, probably all NFL front offices and all consumers--their mentality to add talent at value.
What if they stayed with the current roster? What Tomlin said about the receiving corps of George Pickens, Van Jefferson, Calvin Austin, Scotty Miller with Brandon Johnson on the practice squad and injured Roman Wilson and Ben Skowronek.
“When called upon they are capable of delivering,” Tomlin said. “I just think with each passing week there will be more opportunities to display that. Particularly as people work systematically to minimize George, it creates one-on-one opportunities for others.”
It’s a group that Pro Football Focus ranks as the 26th best in the NFL. They are second-worst in the league in touchdown passes, of course that’s not always on the receivers.
“I just feel like we have a group that’s hard working and capable and can’t wait to show the football world those capabilities and every time we step into a stadium they get an opportunity to do so and you’ve seen some examples already,” Tomlin said.
That being stated, they are looking at options.