Steelers Wide Receivers Aren’t Worried About Trade Noise

PITTSBURGH — If there’s been a position on the Pittsburgh Steelers that has been under the microscope, it’s the wide receivers room. Outside of George Pickens, there isn’t someone who stands out among the group.

That was, until, the past two primetime victories for the Steelers. Players such as Calvin Austin III and Van Jefferson have increased their production including finding the endzone.

If there’s one person who believes in the room’s ability and their work, it is their position coach Zach Azzanni. Coach “Z”, as you will hear his players refer to him, was brought on this past offseason after the departure of Frisman Jackson. He was tasked with getting the most out of this receivers room–especially after the trade of Diontae Johnson.

Make no mistake though, Azzanni believes in his guys and had praise for all of them during his media availability on Wednesday.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver/punt returner Calvin Austin III returning a punt for a 73-yard touchdown against the New York Giants on Oct. 28, 2024. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now

LITTLE GUY WITH BIG SPEED

When asked about a player like Calvin Austin III, Azzanni discussed Austin’s work ethic, ability, and even the fact he is sometimes overlooked. 

“As a coach, it’s really rewarding, and for his teammates too … They know all the things he does. He’s a true pro. He does the dirty as a little guy too, which a lot of guys in this league don’t do. He does, he’s willing to, he just works super hard.” Azzanni said. “Anytime you see a guy get rewarded, you know, and put in the time and work … you feel so good for him for sure.”

Azzanni also highlighted Austin’s speed and improvement in separation.

“Coach Tomlin always talks about, you know, guys that can create space in a non-vertical area. Who is that player on every team? He’s our guy that way … that’s his gift, that’s what he was blessed with; that twitch and that man awareness on how to work individuals … and he works at it too, now. A lot. A lot of it has to do with technique, not just his athletic ability.” Azzanni said.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receivers George Pickens and Van Jefferson celebrate with quarterback Russell Wilson during a game against the New York Giants on Oct. 28, 2024. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now

A ROOM OF PROS AND COMPETITORS

Even a guy like Van Jefferson, Azzanni sees someone who puts the work in every day, regardless of the quarterback.

“I don’t think it has anything to do with who the quarterback is, Van is just very intentful on how he works, you know, he’s a pro. He’s very aware of the things he does well, the things he needs to work on. Because of that mindset and attitude you see him improving … every week we’re a little bit better.” Azzanni said of Jefferson.

Azzanni even sees his star receiver George Pickens making strides. When asked specifically about his rough moments, like in the Dallas Cowboys loss, challenges Pickens to bounce back as seen the last two weeks.

“George, he is a competitor … I’m not blind to the fact that [these] guys want the football. And sometimes, you know, it’s directed weird and different. And that’s part of my job is to continue to keep him on the right path.” Azzanni said of Pickens.

“He’s done a good job of that the past couple of weeks and has made some big plays and stayed focused … getting guys like that involved and getting them involved early. He’s a competitor and they all want the ball, you know, and that’s a good thing.”

Pittsburgh Steelers wider receivers George Pickens and Van Jefferson with coach Zach Azzanni at training camp. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now

TUNING OUT THE NOISE

Despite his praise for his receivers, Azzanni was asked about the elephant in the receiver room–who isn’t even in the room. 

When asked about the chatter of a receiver trade, Azzanni smiled, laughed, and said, “No, there’s been outside chatter? Never heard that!” Azzanni then made it clear, the focus is on the guys in the room and their work keeps them focussed.

“You know it’s funny … we don’t talk about it in our room. We’ve never, never mentioned it. It’s never, ever been brought up. I don’t need to … Those guys come to work everyday, I don’t think I need to say anything. I think they all just want to win. They all just want to prove who they are. I think they’re wired correctly … I don’t want to speak for them, but they come to work the same all the time.” Azzanni said of his guys handling the outside rumors.

“Whatever happens, happens. But those guys work their tail off and I don’t think it matters what the outside chatter is.”

It’s clear the offense under Arthur Smith is run-centric, however, the contributions and willingness of this group can’t be stated enough. As Azzanni pointed out, guys like Jefferson and Austin working in the run-blocking game and Pickens rising up to the challenge each week shows on the field.

Whether the Steelers address the room by the trade deadline remains to be seen. One thing is for certain though with Coach Azzanni: he’s going to get the most out of this room and his guys will follow this lead.

Alan Saunders provided reporting from Pittsburgh.