Kenny Pickett Names Surprising Candidate for Steelers WR4 Job

UNITY TWP., Pa. — Kenny Pickett is in their first true offseason as the Steelers QB1, and in doing so, he has been evaluating and watching all the receivers that he throws to over the course of training camp. The top three guys, Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, and Allen Robinson are locked in, and most people think Calvin Austin III is the next guy up behind him. But Pickett had a surprising answer.

The answer he gave was only one name — Gunner Olszewski. Olszewski was with the team last year as the team’s returner for a bit and then stuck around as a receiver who would often lead the way as a blocker. But Pickett praised the training camp that Olszewski is having and believes he could be the answer to that question.

“He’s reliable,” Pickett said. “He shows up every day. Whatever position he’s at, he knows all of them, and he’s gonna stick his nose in there in the run game. I have a ton of great things to say about Gunner.

Olszewski only had eight receptions yesterday, but Kenny Pickett sees him as a guy who can elevate the offense. He is a blocker and while he is a guy who only sticks in the slot, he and Pickett have connected more than most receivers this training camp. The former Patriots receiver does not have the gaudy stats in the receiving game, but he has always believed that he could have more upside there than the stat sheet says out of the gate.

A strong training camp could lead Olszewski to a roster spot, and potentially a far more significant role than he had last year or with the Patriots. The Steelers have shown an aptitude for using slot-specific guys in the past, and Steven Sims was that guy last year. If anything, Olszewski could be that this year.