Unlike their quarterback duo, the Pittsburgh Steelers receivers had a strong season in 2023. Their top three wide receivers were George Pickens, Dionta Johnson and Allen Robinson II. Pickens had 1,140 yards and five touchdowns, Johnson had 717 yards and five touchdowns and Robinson had 280 yards.
For whatever reason, the Steelers decided to revamp their receiver corps this offseason, parting ways with two players, trading Johnson to the Panthers and waiving Robinson, drafting Roman Wilson in their place and signing Ques Watkins, Scott Miller and a Super Bowl champion.
Pittsburgh Steelers sign with Super Bowl champion
The Steelers signed Van Jefferson to a one-year contract. Jefferson spent his first three and a half seasons with the Rams, winning a Super Bowl in the 2021 season. Unfortunately, he underwent two offseason knee surgeries that sidelined him for some time in 2022. He was then out of the rotation in 2023 and was traded to the Falcons at the NFL trade deadline.
He struggled to fit in with the Falcons in the second half of the season, catching a disappointing 12 of 28 passes for 101 yards and a catch percentage of 42.9%, before finishing the season with 20 of 43 passes for 209 yards and a catch percentage of 46.5%.
The Steelers enter training camp with one starting spot guaranteed, with George Pickens set to defend the left wing. They have two open starting spots, including the slot (Calvin Austin III vs. Roman Wilson) and on the right side.
One player took an early lead.
Which wide receiver took the early lead?
Van Jefferson got out to an early lead and is in position to start the season strong, according to Mark Kaboly. Athletic.
“Jefferson signed as a free agent and is the front-runner to start the season as the No. 2. He showed glimpses of his potential in that role in 2021 when he recorded 50 catches and 802 yards with the Los Angeles Rams, but his production hasn’t been great since then, which is concerning.”
He will be competing with receivers in the NFC East.
The former Philadelphia Eagles receiver will also be competing for the WR2 spot.
Quez Watkins will also be competing for the right wing/WR2 position. A former sixth-round pick, Watkins is in his fifth season in the league. Like Jefferson, he played as a WR2 in the league (2021) and started 25 of the 49 regular season games.
Can Van Jefferson win a starting spot and turn things around in 2024?
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