The Pittsburgh Steelers only clear hole on the roster comes at the wide receiver position. The organization traded away Diontae Johnson and released Allen Robinson II during the 2024 offseason, making the team desperate for a number two receiver. Pittsburgh has been enthralled in trade rumors that have been connected to some star wideouts from across the league, and they could be interested in bringing in one of Russell Wilson's old targets from his time with the Seattle Seahawks.
Wilson had a special bond with a lot of receivers during his time in Seattle. Some were obvious, like DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett and Doug Baldwin. However, some were under the radar, like former seventh-round pick John Ursua. Ursua played for the Seahawks for three seasons from 2019 through 2021, but only recorded one career reception.
He still works out with Wilson to this day, and Ursua recently went on The Sick Podcast - Steelers Crazy where he shared there is a chance he'll be in Latrobe for training camp.
"After these two or three opportunities I've had to train with Russ, we have been speaking again with my agent and with Pittsburgh. So, I'm kind of crossing my fingers and hoping that I can kind of provide. Me and Russ have a lot of chemistry so I think it would make a lot of sense. But, we're going to have to wait and see, and hopefully I can get that little workout and an invite to camp or something."
Ursua didn't produce much on the offensive side of the ball during his time with Seattle, but he built up a reputable chemistry with Wilson during his time with the Seahawks. So much so, that he still gets the opportunity to run routes with Wilson during the offseason. Ursua and Metcalf were catching balls from Wilson earlier this week, with training camp just around the corner.
This throwing session obviously brings back some rumors about a possible trade between Pittsburgh and Seattle, which would reunite Wilson and Metcalf. However, the most outcome that is most likely would be Ursua being brought in to camp. He said his agent has been in talks with the Steelers already, and it is quite possible that Wilson is also pushing for Ursua to be brought in.
The Steelers receiver room is crowded, but outside of George Pickens and Roman Wilson there are a lot of question marks. Pittsburgh could use some depth at slot receiver, and Ursua could provide with his chemistry with Wilson being an added benefit. If Ursua does get brought it, it would take a lot for him to make the final roster. He is 30 years old, and hasn't seen much success in the league. Pittsburgh would be taking a real chance on the receiver.
Steelers Still Searching For Talent At Wide Receiver
Brandon Aiyuk is a player the Steelers have been connected to ever since the conclusion of the 2023 season. The San Francisco 49ers remain consistent in saying they want to keep him around, but the two sides are struggling to come to an agreement on a extension. A trade for a star like Aiyuk or Metcalf seems to be unlikely, but pairing Wilson with one of his former receivers like Courtland Sutton could make a lot of sense.
Sutton shouldn't cost the Steelers a lot in a trade, and he and Wilson's connection was one of the few bright spots from the Denver Broncos' offense over the last two seasons. Pittsburgh will likely hold off on a trade, or signing a new receiver until they see their current unit get to work in training camp. However, if the current group struggles, it should be expected to see the organization make a move?
