The Pittsburgh Steelers have made some significant changes to their roster this offseason, revamping the quarterback room with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, and also changing the wide receiver room by trading Diontae Johnson, among other moves, while bringing in Van Jefferson. As a result, there likely will be a competition for the No. 2 wide receiver role in the Steelers’ offense behind George Pickens, and Jefferson spoke on the mindset of the group that is competing for the role, which includes Roman Wilson, Quez Watkins and Scotty Miller as well.
“I think the whole group is just coming around each other and they’re just bonding together, especially with Coach [Zach Azzanni],” Can Jefferson said, according to Troy Montgomery of Steelers Depot. “We’re just taking pride in working together and coming out here, competing together. We all know what we’re fighting for. We all know that we’re competing against one another, but at the end of the day, it’s all about coming out here and having fun, and putting your best foot forward to earn the trust of the quarterbacks, earn the trust of the coaches, and get out on the field.”
Jefferson spent some time with the Atlanta Falcons last year after playing with the Los Angeles Rams for most of his career, so he has experience playing for Arthur Smith and knows what the offensive system asks for. It will be an interesting battle in camp between a number of good candidates, it will be one to watch outside of the quarterback battle between Russell Wilson and Justin Fields.
The Steelers’ new wide receiver room
The trade of Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers was a significant one, as he was one of the go-to weapons for the Steelers over the past few years. Now, George Pickens will step into the role of a clear go-to guy in the offense for either Wilson or Fields.
The Steelers got rave reviews for their draft class, which included Troy Fautanu, who is part of the new-look offense at left tackle, but Roman Wilson out of Michigan was viewed as another good pick. Pittsburgh has a knack for finding quality wide receivers on day two of the draft, and Wilson could be another one to add to that list.
Jefferson should provide a nice veteran voice for the Steelers, regardless of whether or not he is the No. 2 wide receiver. Watkins and Miller are two veteran signings that should provide as depth at the very least.
The most important change is bringing in Arthur Smith, who will bring in a new offensive system. After years of having a stagnant offense, the Steelers have made a real effort to change that side of the ball in almost every area.
Ryan Bologna is an experienced sports writer covering the NFL, MLB, and NCAA Basketball for ClutchPoints. He studied journalism and communication at UConn, and has bylines at New York Sports Nation and the Greenwich Free Press.
