The Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2025 training camp opened in Latrobe on Thursday, July 24th, so let’s take a preview at the biggest training camp battle so far.
The most intriguing battle of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2025 training camp is the fight for the wide receiver two role behind DK Metcalf. In 2024, Van Jefferson played 724 snaps for the Steelers, behind only George Pickens.
Following the departures of both Jefferson and Pickens, the Steelers are looking for a new number-two wide receiver this offseason.
The Steelers acquired Mike Williams via trade with the Jets during the season, yet despite repeatedly stating that he was confident in the team’s 2024 wide receiver room, the Steelers’ passing game only reached 300 yards once all year.
Metcalf will play the X. This is the prototype. Height, weight, and speed, all of which Metcalf has in spades. They’re the primary target, often positioned away from the strength of the formation, as shown below.
— SteelersTape (@SteelersTape) July 22, 2025
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Who is the Steelers’ WR2?
The two obvious candidates are Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson.
Let’s start with Austin. He finished with 528 receiving yards in 2024 and showed flashes of his ability.
Historically, Austin has been seen as a gadget-type player due to his speed, running only jet sweeps and deep go routes. His game has developed far beyond that. His route running was taken to another level in 2024.
Austin scored four receiving touchdowns in 2024, including this big play against the Chargers:
— SteelersTape (@SteelersTape) July 22, 2025
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Mike Tomlin has also stated that Austin will continue to be the team’s punt returner in 2025.
Steelers wide receiver coach Zach Azzani stated during an interview with the media at the team’s mandatory minicamp that the WR2 position was Austin’s.
Roman Wilson’s Case
Roman Wilson had a frustrating rookie season. The second-round draft pick out of Michigan, fresh off a national championship, picked up an ankle injury in the team’s first padded practice of training camp in 2024.
Wilson returned in week six for the team’s game against the Raiders, playing only 6 snaps and receiving no targets, before then being placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury.
Wilson has the pedigree. He was the team’s second-round draft pick in 2024, which rightly brings high expectations. Wilson appears to have spent the offseason in the gym, with Mark Kaboly stating he looked like a chisled freak.
Wilson’s been making plays this training camp. Last week, he made two of the best catches of camp so far, the first whilst lying on the ground. A catch that showed great concentration. The latter was a sky-high grab over Joey Porter Jr.
Roman Wilson contested catch versus Joey Porter Jr. #Steelers #NFL pic.twitter.com/UM2RDosx9a
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) July 31, 2025
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The training camp battle for the team’s WR2 role will continue throughout camp and into the team’s three preseason games.
Scary Terry?
The final but most unlikely option is a blockbuster trade for Commanders receiver Terry McLaurin. McLaurin requested a trade last week, and there’s no doubt he would be a huge upgrade to the Steelers’ receiver room.
The Steelers have enough draft capital to make the move. From a salary cap standpoint, they could make the required moves to ensure compliance; however, it’s hard to see the Steelers tying up any more money in that position following the massive contract given to Metcalf this offseason. Stranger things have happened, though, watch this space.
Main Image: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
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