5 Steelers who could be cut before the 2023 season
By Zach Hiney
2. Gunner Olszewski
The 2022 season marked the first season in black and gold for Gunner Olszewski.
After a three year stint in New England that included an All-Pro accolades as a return specialist, Olszewski was brought to the Steelers in hopes he would revive the return game and potentially contribute offensively. However, some early season blunders halted that plan.
Olszewski had two fumbles in the first four weeks of the 2022 season, including a costly one against his former team that gave the Patriots great field position to score the winning touchdown. After his early season miscues, he was benched for Steven Sims, who provided a spark in the return game. In total, Olszewski only had 8 punt returns and 3 kickoff returns last season, a significant drop off from his 26 punts and 18 kickoff returns in 2021.
Usually, the Steelers keep 6-7 wide receivers on the 53 man roster. Last season they kept 7 and I'm assuming a similar format this season. If that is the case, George Pickens, Diontae Johnson, Allen Robinson, Calvin Austin, Anthony Miller, and Miles Boykin will almost certainly take up 6 of those spots, leaving Olszewski to battle with Cody White and XFL standout Hakeem Butler for the last spot. With Austin having punt return capabilities, the Steelers could choose to take the high ceiling of Butler over the known Olszewski. That would leave the former Patriot looking to take his talents elsewhere.