LATROBE, PA (93.7 The Fan) – You think it’s a rollercoaster for you as a fan to see and hear all of the Brandon Aiyuk rumors. What if you are one of the guys hoping to rebuild your career by being the number two receiver with the Steelers?
"You hear the rumors about everything going on,” said first-year Steelers WR Van Jefferson. “Those are decisions we don't make. All we can do is control the things we can control & play the best ball we can"
Jefferson is coming off a disappointing season playing in all 17 games with two teams and nine starts with only 20 receptions for 209 yards. He hasn’t caught a touchdown since December 8, 2022. He is now three years removed from his best season with 50 catches for 802 yards and six touchdowns with the 2021 Rams.
The 28-year-old actually was at the Senior Bowl with Aiyuk and said since they played mostly in the same division he would seek him out and talk after games.
“He’s a great player, obviously we’ve all seen how great he is and what he can do,” Jefferson said. “At the end of the day, it’s an up-top decision. We are just going to play and control what we can control.”
Jefferson added that Aiyuk is a great competitor and he explosive, but even if they made the deal, he would still be out there for practice. He said while watching and interested, he wouldn’t let adding a Pro Bowl receiver change his mindset.
“I feel like I’ve gotten a lot better,” Jefferson said. “The work that you put in is the work you are going to get out. I just continue to do that, stay on top of my work and progress. There are always things you can learn, always things you can get better at. I know that and it keeps me focused on the task at hand.”
Jefferson said one of the equipment staff told him the story of how Antonio Brown used to work after practice. He has implemented his work of catching at least 300 balls after practice, saying if it helped AB become a top five or top three receiver of all-time, why not follow that regiment.
“Van respects the game,” said Steelers receiver coach Zach Azzanni. “He plays it the way it’s supposed to be played. He plays with a hard edge. He finishes. He trying to create great habits. He’s extremely coachable. I can’t say enough good things of where he is at as a player. He’s gotten better since the spring and last season.”
“He’s at the cool spot in his career where it could go either way. He’s taking the bait and I’m really excited to have him here.”
“Whatever happens, happens, but I think the guys on the team right now, we are hungry and ready to go,” said Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth. “If something happens, great, but we are confident in what we have right now.”
“I just like the way that group has worked,” said Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. “Getting to know, particularly some of the new veteran guys in that group. Can’t say enough about Van Jefferson and Scotty Miller for example. Guys that have shown high floors in this process. They are really consistent in their performance and they bring it every day. I’ve been pleased with the growth and the work coming from that group.”
Whether there is an add should be decided soon, meanwhile those on the roster continue to wait.