The Steelers traded for Ryan Switzer before the start of the 2018 NFL season. However, early statistics indicate that he could be on his way out of Pittsburgh.
It’s hard not to like Steelers receiver, Ryan Switzer. The 24-year old player is constantly involved in the community of Pittsburgh, and he can be seen visiting local hospitals or chatting with fans.
However, if early statistics are any indication, the shifty slot receiver could be on his way out of Pittsburgh.
The Steelers traded for Switzer just before the start of the 2018 NFL season. The former Cowboys and Raiders receiver had a solid season last year as a part-time slot receiver for Pittsburgh where he caught 36 balls for 253 yards and a touchdown. Switzer also served as a full-time return specialist, and he pitched in 252 punt return yards on 8.4 yards per return.
Recently, however, it’s become apparent that the Steelers are beginning to value Switzer less now than they ever have. Here is how his involvement in the offense has digressed since the start of the 2019 season, according to Pro Football Reference:
| Snaps | Snap % | targets | receptions | yards | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | 46 | 69% | 6 | 6 | 29 |
| Week 2 | 13 | 23% | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| Week 3 | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Ryan Switzer may have had 6 targets in week one against New England, but they amounted to a mere 29 receiving yards. The following week against Seattle, Switzer saw just one reception for zero yards.
What’s even more telling, however, is the drop in offensive snaps. Switzer played 69 percent of offensive snaps in week one, but that dropped drastically during the following game against the Seahawks. Last week in the loss to the 49ers, Switzer never once took the field on offense.
Switzer has also been a complete non-factor in the return game to start the season. He has averaged just 0.5 yards on his two punt returns and is 24th in the league in kick return average (21.5 yards).
The Steelers have made it abundantly clear that James Washington and Diontae Johnson are the next men up. Washington earned 92 percent of offensive snaps against the 49ers in week three, while Johnson played 79 percent of snaps.
Ryan Switzer was an extremely productive receiver during his days at North Carolina. In his senior season, he caught 96 balls for 1,112 yards and 6 touchdowns. But the NFL game is a completely different animal.
This may not be the end of Ryan Switzer in Pittsburgh, but he has yet to make a mark on the field and was held without an offensive snap last week. If he stays, let’s hope he finds a way to contribute soon.