Just a week before the 2024 NFL season kickoff, Steelers fans were left disappointed by the news that Brandon Aiyuk won’t be heading to Pittsburgh. The 49ers star wide receiver signed an extension, keeping him in San Francisco for the foreseeable future.
This was Pittsburgh’s best opportunity to secure a game-changing player for their offense, as it’s rare for teams to part with a top wide receiver. Now, the Steelers will have to make do with their current roster.
After final roster cuts, Mike Tomlin and his coaching staff decided to keep five wide receivers: George Pickens, Roman Wilson, Van Jefferson, Calvin Austin III, and Scotty Miller. On paper, this group doesn’t inspire much confidence.
With the Aiyuk trade no longer an option, Steelers’ GM Omar Khan and the front office focused on finalizing the practice squad, adding wide receiver Ben Skowronek. Since entering the league as a seventh-round pick in 2021, Skowronek has had an unremarkable career, averaging just 9.9 yards per reception and 6.2 yards per target over three seasons.
Yet, there’s still reason for optimism with this practice squad addition.
Steelers are acquiring a versatile player in Ben Skowronek for Arthur Smith
Standing at 6’3” and 220 pounds, with 33 1/4” arms and 10 1/8” hands, Skowronek brings a large physical presence to the wide receiver position. His size allows him to effectively engage and redirect smaller defensive backs in run-blocking situations—a skill he honed during his time with the Rams.
This type of player is exactly what Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith thrives on. As the Falcons’ head coach, Smith found a role for wide receiver Mack Hollins, who despite catching only 18 of 30 passes in 2023, logged 345 offensive snaps due to his blocking prowess.
Hollins and Skowronek have nearly identical builds, and Skowronek could easily fill a similar role in Arthur Smith’s wide zone offense. It’s almost as if Skowronek was tailor-made for this system.
Skowronek’s contributions on special teams are also noteworthy. He was a key player in this area during his time in Los Angeles, accumulating 327 special teams snaps last season.
However, it’s important to temper expectations. Skowronek is currently on the practice squad, and to make an impact with the Steelers, he’ll need to earn a spot on the active roster—a move that could happen in the coming weeks.
The Steelers currently have a surplus at the slot receiver position, and once rookie WR Roman Wilson gets up to speed, veteran Scotty Miller could be let go, opening the door for Skowronek’s promotion.
If this happens, don’t expect Skowronek to be a difference-maker in the passing game. That’s not his role. Instead, he’ll be a chess piece for Arthur Smith’s offense—a player who can line up anywhere on the field and who is willing to sacrifice his body for the team’s success as a blocker.