The Pittsburgh Steelers and their fans have the type of hope and excitement they haven’t had in a while.
They recently signed veteran quarterback Russell Wilson while also adding star linebacker Patrick Queen, and they appear poised to build on the 10-7 record and playoff appearance they earned in 2023.
On Friday, they took another step toward improving by signing veteran wide receiver Van Jefferson to a one-year contract, per Ari Meirov.
The #Steelers are signing WR Van Jefferson to a 1-year deal. A weapon for Russell Wilson. pic.twitter.com/kY9JxBGEQO
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 15, 2024
Jefferson, 27, spent his first three seasons with the Los Angeles Rams, and in 2021, he caught 50 passes for 802 yards and six touchdowns while helping them win the Super Bowl championship.
That year, he was a solid No. 2 receiver behind Pro Bowler, All-Pro First-Team selection, and Offensive Player of the Year Cooper Kupp, but his production has taken a nosedive since.
Jefferson mustered just 209 yards on 20 catches in 2023, and he was traded in early October to the Atlanta Falcons.
Pittsburgh traded WR Diontae Johnson this week for cornerback Donte Jackson, which means they need a WR2 behind George Pickens, who had 1,140 receiving yards on a league-high 18.1 yards per reception last year.
The team hasn’t had a losing season since 2003, and even though the days of Ben Roethlisberger are becoming more distant, they continue to find ways to win games and at least be in the hunt for a playoff spot each season.
The hope is that Wilson and Pickens will become a very productive QB-WR duo, while their defense continues to wreck opposing teams, and that such a combination will be enough for them to do damage in the playoffs.
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