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The Steelers’ wide receiver room is looking dangerously thin with just weeks until the 2025 season kicks off. After shipping George Pickens off in that blockbuster trade, Pittsburgh has a massive void opposite DK Metcalf. Sure, Roman Wilson shows promise in the slot, but the team’s lack of proven pass-catchers has Aaron Rodgers visibly frustrated throughout camp — he’s been vocal about needing more weapons.
You’d think the Steelers would be clinging to any receiver showing a pulse in preseason action. That’s what makes Monday’s roster move so puzzling.
Steelers release WR Roc Taylor. Yinzers aren't happy
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) August 18, 2025
Wait, what? The Steelers cut Roc Taylor?
This one’s hard to understand. Taylor — who initially committed to Tennessee before becoming a standout at Memphis — has the size and skill set that screams NFL potential. Through two preseason games, he hauled in 5 catches for 77 yards while playing just 49 offensive snaps. The kid was making plays when given opportunities.
Look, I get it. Preseason stars often fade faster than your fantasy football hopes in December. But when your current WR depth chart includes Robert Woods (33 years old), Scotty Miller (the Tampa Bay castoff), and Ben Skowronek (who the Rams happily parted with), you can’t exactly be picky. Taylor showed enough flash to warrant a longer look — but that’s not how Arthur Smith operates.
Arthur Smith’s Veteran Obsession Claims Another Young Talent
Falcons fans are nodding knowingly right now. Smith runs an offense that demands precision and perfect timing — players need to be exactly where they’re supposed to be, when they’re supposed to be there. The problem? The veterans Smith trusts to execute his system often aren’t the most talented options on the roster.
Woods, Miller, and Skowronek bring experience. They know how to run routes and understand NFL defenses. But let’s be real — none of them is keeping defensive coordinators up at night. With this receiving corps, Pittsburgh’s offense has a painfully low ceiling this season. Sure, Rodgers might elevate them to “functional,” but where’s the explosive element that turns “functional” into “playoff contender”?
Could Taylor have been that guy? Probably not — there’s a reason he went undrafted. But the process here is concerning. When you’re as talent-deficient as the Steelers are at receiver, you can’t afford to discard potential for mediocre veterans just because they’ll run the right routes.
This rigid thinking will haunt Pittsburgh as long as Smith (and maybe even Tomlin) stays at the helm. The best coaches adapt their systems to maximize available talent. The Steelers seem intent on doing the opposite — forcing limited players into a system that demands perfection. That approach might work with All-Pros, but with this receiving corps? Good luck with that, Aaron.
