Is Roman Wilson Or Van Jefferson The WR2 For The Steelers?

June 16, 2024

Is Roman Wilson or Van Jefferson the WR2 for the Steelers? Who is the better pick in fantasy football? Joey looks at the fantasy value of both receivers in 2024.

The Pittsburgh Steelers offense will look quite different this upcoming season. After trading for Justin Fields and signing Russell Wilson in free agency following his release from the Denver Broncos, the Steelers will have a new quarterback running the offense. 

But the team's wide receiver room also won't be the same from the 2023 season. That's because the team traded away Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers in March. Johnson's replacement figures to be either Van Jefferson or rookie Roman Wilson. 

So, is Wilson or Jefferson the WR2 for the Steelers? Who has the better fantasy value? Let's dive in and find out. 

Who is the Pittsburgh Steelers' WR2?

With George Pickens locked in as the Steelers' WR1, Pittsburgh will need either Jefferson or Wilson to step up as the team's WR2 this season. The former signed a one-year deal this offseason, while the latter was selected in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

The battle for the WR2 job should take place during training camp, but it figures to be Jefferson -- at least to start the season. He has the experience over Wilson and has shown some nice things since entering the league in 2020. While the 27-year-old hasn't put up great stats over the past few years, he did total 802 yards and six touchdowns back in 2021 with the Los Angeles Rams. 

finally, an answer on who the #Steelers WR2 is, courtesy of OC Arthur Smith pic.twitter.com/Uq0zpDko29

— The Coachspeak Index (@CoachspeakIndex) June 12, 2024

Given his experience, Jefferson will likely start the season as the team's WR2. However, don't be surprised if Wilson eventually takes that job from the four-year vet as he gets more NFL experience. The former Michigan star could become a security blanket for Wilson or Fields in the passing game like he was for J.J. McCarthy in his final college season. The wideout totaled 789 yards and 12 touchdowns with the Wolverines in 2023. 

Who Should I Draft in Fantasy Football?

Despite Jefferson likely entering the season as the Steelers' WR2, Wilson is the better pick in fantasy drafts this summer. Fantasy managers already know what to expect from Jefferson. He'll be a low-floor, low-ceiling play every week. However, Wilson has the higher upside and could eventually blossom into a weekly flex play in PPR formats. With the rookie's higher ceiling, take a chance on him in fantasy instead of the four-year veteran. 

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