With all of the massive additions that the Pittsburgh Steelers have made to their roster this offseason, it's understandable to overlook minor moves that don't jump off the page.
One of those moves for Pittsburgh was the re-signing of depth receiver Brandon Johnson. He appeared in three games for the Steelers in 2024, but he only caught one pass for nine yards. They brought him back on a futures contract to compete for a roster spot in training camp, and so far, so good.
He has had a strong camp, but the real sign that he may be in contention for a roster spot was his usage in the Steelers' preseason loss to the Buccaneers. With DK Metcalf and Calvin Austin III not suiting up, Johnson was out there with the starting group.
Pittsburgh Steelers' may have found something in Brandon Johnson
While Roman Wilson stole the show with his two long receptions early in the game, Brandon Johnson had an impactful game in his own right. He caught three passes for 16 yards, including a touchdown against Buccaneers starting corner Jamel Dean. He also drew a big pass interference penalty on Dean a few plays before his touchdown, helping move the offense into the redzone.
He has size (6-2) that few receivers on the roster can match, and he briefly flashed real potential for the Broncos back in 2023 with 284 yards and four touchdowns on just 19 catches. He is a true outside receiver as well, playing over 80% of his career snaps there.
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Wilson and Austin III are more dynamic and versatile, but neither is an ideal fit as outside receivers. They will both spend time playing there this season, but if something were to happen to Metcalf, Johnson would be the better replacement as a true X receiver.
He still has to beat out the likes of Robert Woods and likely one of Scotty Miller or Ben Skowronek, but he has shown more as a receiver than Woods and offers some special teams value as well. If it comes down to him and Miller (who has had a strong preseason in his own right), his special teams ability and size could give him the edge.
It's still too early to know for sure who Pittsburgh will ultimately keep at receiver, but Johnson is making a serious case to be one of the last few to make it through cut week.