Omar Khan, also known as the “Khan Artist” to most of Steelers Nation, is facing criticism for the lack of movement in the veteran wide receiver department. The Steelers traded wide receiver Diontae Johnson without a clear plan in place and now with OTAs approaching, they are feeling the repercussions. The inability to secure a replacement for Johnson has puzzled many, especially considering the team’s leading receiver status.
The Athletic’s Mark Kaboly reported that the Steelers made a low-ball trade offer for Tyler Boyd from the Cincinnati Bengals, which seems insufficient given the circumstances. The Bengals would unlikely trade a productive player to their biggest rival without significant compensation, making it questionable why the Steelers pursued this option. With Johnson’s contract expiring soon, the Steelers were looking to secure value for him, but the lack of a backup plan has left them in a precarious position.
As a result of the lack of moves in the wide receiver department, the Steelers now have one of the weakest receiving corps in the NFL. Despite acquiring talented quarterbacks, the team has failed to bolster their offense and compete with other teams making strategic roster moves. Without immediate action from Khan, the Steelers risk having their top receiver, George Pickens, facing constant triple-teams and potentially creating a toxic atmosphere in the locker room.
While Roman Wilson shows promise, he is still adjusting to the speed of the NFL, leaving the burden on other receivers such as Calvin Austin III, Van Jefferson, Quez Watkins, and Denzel Mims. While these players provide depth, they do not pose a significant threat to opposing defenders. The lack of a proven wide receiver threat in the lineup puts additional pressure on the Steelers to address this issue promptly before the start of the season to avoid further complications.
The criticism towards Khan and the Steelers highlights the urgency for a strategic and effective plan to address the team’s wide receiver woes. As the season approaches, the team needs to make moves to strengthen their offense and provide support for their talented quarterbacks. Failure to do so could have long-lasting consequences for the team’s performance and cohesion. In a competitive NFL landscape, the Steelers must act decisively to secure their position and propel the team forward.
