Wide Receiver
Diontae Johnson has been one of the team’s best players this season and is emerging into one of the league’s more underrated options at the position. Chase Claypool has caused a lot of hate among fans due to his use of Tik Tok, as well as his celebrations in key moments in games, but he still has two years left on his rookie deal, so while he is no lock to be in the long term plans, he’ll be back next year. However, aside from them, there is a lot of uncertainty for the future of the position for the Steelers.
Juju Smith-Schuster and James Washington are free agents this offseason, and there is a good chance that neither of the two returns. Smith-Schuster has a shot to return only because he is coming off of a season-ending injury, so it is possible he signs another one-year deal to try and boost his value for the following offseason. However, with Roethlisberger not likely returning next season, that makes it much less likely that he returns. As for Washington, it is pretty much a guarantee that he leaves after he requested a trade early in the year due to a lack of playing time, and with little changing in that department as the season went along.
With these two likely gone, the Steelers must make a move to add at least one wide receiver. In all likelihood, the team may sign a veteran for a deal close to the minimum, while also spending a mid or late-round draft selection on a wide receiver. It’s pretty safe to say the team will spend a pick on one, considering they have shown a capability to find great value at the position after the first round in recent years.