After the Steelers’ 31-17 loss to the Bills in the wild-card stage of the playoffs, their 2023 season came to an abrupt end. They added 17 players to reserve/future contracts, including two potentially significant wide outs, with an eye toward 2024.
Pittsburgh signed wide outs Denzel Mims and Marquez Callaway among the 17 players, two names that should pique fans’ interest.
Mims, who the Jets selected in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, joined the Steelers practice squad in October. Despite his lack of playing time this season, he seems to think Pittsburgh will give him another opportunity to see it soon.
The 26-year-old has never lived up to the hype; with New York from 2020–22, he recorded just 42 receptions for 676 yards and zero touchdowns. Perhaps all he needs to develop, though, is a patient team. The Steelers are eager to carry out that task.
Conversely, Callaway has experienced some success in the NFL. Throughout his career, the 25-year-old has caught 83 passes for 1,069 yards and seven touchdowns; the majority of his output came in 2021.
He hasn’t, however, experienced the 2023 season he was probably picturing, bouncing around the Broncos, Raiders, and Saints practice squads.
Making Pittsburgh’s 53-man roster in 2024 won’t be simple for Mims or Callaway, but nothing has been simple for the two receivers thus far.
Calvin Austin III, George Pickens, and Dionate Johnson are the three wide receivers that appear certain to make the squad. However, after them, the last two or three positions are there for grabs.
WR Allen Robinson II ought to make the roster as well if he is still with the team in August. But that seems doubtful given that in 2023 he only managed 34 receptions for 280 yards and zero touchdowns. If the Steelers cut him this offseason, they may avoid paying $10 million in cap penalties.
With a significant offseason looming, Pittsburgh’s roster might look significantly different in 2024, and Mims and Callaway might benefit as a result.
