Steelers' recent signings could mean release of former All-Pro

One of the biggest disappointments for the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 2022 season came from wide receiver and returner, Gunner Olszewski. From him having muffed punts, to only having seven passing targets to him, the Steelers may take a look at possibly parting ways with him when making the final decisions for the 53-man roster.

The sole purpose of having Olszewski on the roster was for him to return kicks and punts, which he did not do too great of a job at. Steven Sims was the one who took on most of the returning for the 2022 season due to this. Sims has now signed with the Houston Texans for this year on a one-year contract. This leaves the question, who will be returning for the Steelers this year? 

I feel that this would be the one reason that the Steelers would keep Olszewski. If they have him as a veteran player to help someone or potentially take on the role as the returner would be the only logical reason for having him stay in Pittsburgh. The player that I would love to take on this role would be Calvin Austin III. Austin III missed the entirety of his 2022 rookie season due to a foot injury. So, we have no clue what he is capable of doing in the NFL. What we do know that he is capable of doing is being a solid return man.

During his time at the University of Memphis, he was the team's punt returner. His best performance was in a game against Mississippi State where he took a 94-yard punt to the house. This led Memphis to win the game 31-29. If he can do these types of things in the NFL, I feel that he would be a much more valuable asset to the Steelers than Olszewski.

The major reason why I believe that Olszewski will be gone is because of how many wide receivers the Steelers have on their current roster. Recently, they added Cody Chrest to the receiving room. This would make for the 14th wide receiver on the current roster. So, it is obvious that cuts will need to be made since teams usually have six or seven receivers on their 53-man roster at the start of the NFL season.

It will be a close race, but I just don't think Olszewski will make the cut following his rough 2022 season. I think the Steelers will go with six receivers on their 53-man roster including Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, Allen Robinson II, Austin III, Miles Boykin, and I think that former XFL standout Hakeem Butler surprises everyone and will make it.

Olszewski's lack of receiving is the big thing that will hold him back from getting a roster spot. With Austin, he has the ability to not only be a solid return man but play as a solid receiver as well. Since Olszewski isn't elite at returning, it seems pointless to keep a player who has less than 200 receiving yards in his four years in the NFL.