The Pittsburgh Steelers have a history of having two quality wide receivers. From Lynn Swann and Joh Stallworth to Hines Ward and Antwaan Randle El to Ward and Santonio Holmes.

Despite the rough and tough mystique of the Steel Curtain defense and the ground-and-pound aura of guys like Franco Harris and Jerome Bettis, Steelers history is filled with solid WR duos that helped fuel championships.

Fast-forward to 2024 and the WR room doesn’t look as strong as it did in the past. Pittsburgh traded longtime wideout Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers. That leaves former second-round pick George Pickens as the only receiver on the team with any significant experience and ability.

With Pickens as the clear WR1 heading into the 2024 NFL season, many fans are asking, “Who is going to step up and become WR2?” But is that player even on the roster? We’re going to look at some of the best options for the Steelers to fill that WR2 hole.

Option 1: Capitalize on Deep WR Class in 2024 NFL Draft

The Steelers hold the 20th overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. They also have the 51st overall pick in the second round. Either one of those picks could be the spot to find a starting wide receiver.

This year’s draft is loaded with fantastic receiver prospects. Guys like Marvin Harrison Jr., Rome Odunze and Malik Nabers will be long gone before Pittsburgh’s selection. However, there are potential impact players further down the board.

Many draft experts believe LSU’s Brian Thomas Jr. would be a perfect fit for the Steelers at pick No. 20. Thomas Jr.’s 2023 stats at LSU are ridiculous. He recorded 1,177 receiving yards, 17.3 yards per catch, and 17 touchdowns. Despite being a larger receiver at 6’3, 209 pounds, Thomas ran a 4.33-second 40-yard dash. His pure speed and acceleration would match well alongside Pickens.

Other potential prospects the Steelers could have their eyes on are Xavier Worthy (Texas), Xavier Legette (South Carolina) Adonai Mitchell (Texas) and Keon Coleman (Florida State).

Option 2: Make a Blockbuster Trade

The No. 20 overall pick in the draft could be used in a different way that would also allow Pittsburgh to acquire a second receiving option. Rumors have been swirling about the potential of the Steelers making a major trade to add another offensive weapon to the roster.

There are some disgruntled wideouts out there, many of them waiting for contract extensions from their current teams. A couple have reportedly requested trades. However, that could just be a negotiating tactic. But we can still speculate.

The Steelers flirted with the idea of trading for San Francisco 49ers receiver Brandon Aiyuk, according to multiple reports. Now, the 49ers have since said they are going to make sure they keep Aiyuk in San Francisco. That doesn’t mean there isn’t an offer out there enticing enough to make the Niners jump at a trade. They would if the price is right.

Meanwhile, According to 93.7 The Fan’s Andrew Fillipponi, the Steelers have been explored the possibility of acquiring wide receiver Tee Higgins from their AFC North rivals, the Cincinnati Bengals.

This one is a lot less likely. I don’t foresee the Bengals trading one of their best players to an in-division rival. That being said, anything can happen in the NFL.

The thing to do these days in the NFL is trade for an established wide receiver to pair with your young quarterback. The Bills paired Josh Allen with Stefon Diggs and the Texans are trying to recreate that situation after trading for Diggs to pair with C.J. Stroud. The Eagles paired Jalen Hurts with A.J. Brown. The Steelers technically have a young QB on the roster in Justin Fields. However, the jury is still out on how much he will contribute in 2024.

Option 3: There are still Some Viable Free Agents Available

When the NFL Draft comes around, football fans often forget that there are still free agents looking to find new homes. We get excited about those initial signings and fantasize about how they will impact the team before we put all eyes on the draft.

However, there are still a few notable wide receivers out there who are able to sign with a team like Pittsburgh and play a key role this season.

The most recognizable name is three-time Pro Bowler Odell Beckham Jr. The 31-year-old proved in Baltimore he can still get deep and stay healthy for a season. He didn’t quite gel with what the Ravens were trying to do offensively. However, Beckham still has the talent to be a big-time weapon.

Another option is two-time All-Pro Michael Thomas, who spent his entire NFL career with the New Orleans Saints. Due to injuries, Thomas is nowhere near the player he once was. However, he will likely come cheap. If there is any gas left in his tank, he could be a great possession receiver and security blanket for Russell Wilson.

The majority of Pittsburgh-wide receiver free agency buzz is surrounding ex-Bengal Tyler Boyd. The Steelers were hopeful that Boyd would take their offer, reportedly two years for $10 million, to become a possible slot receiver. However, Boyd rejected the offer and is still a free agent. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler says there is still a chance Boyd signs with the Steelers. However, it would likely happen sometime after the draft.

Earlier in free agency, the Steelers did sign WR Van Jefferson to a one-year deal. While Jefferson has some experience, he’s never really been considered a No. 2 option in an offense. He could flash this season and become a breakout talent. However, the likelihood is that the Steelers’ next WR2 is not on the roster yet.