The Pittsburgh Steelers have some issues with depth at vast receiver, however they may simply have the reply on the roster — ought to they make the most of him. That may be veteran receiver Ben Skowronek, a particular groups ace for the Steelers, who emerged down the stretch final season as a priceless piece on the roster. The Steelers preferred him a lot they re-signed him to two-year deal this offseason, possible making certain he sticks round shifting ahead.
The previous Notre Dame product is understanding in Malibu this week with new quarterback Aaron Rodgers, together with a contingent of Steelers cross catchers. Whereas he’s not considered a official reply at receiver for the Steelers, the Publish-Gazette’s Ray Fittipaldo believes he could possibly be.
“That man is without doubt one of the extra undervalued gamers on this roster,” Fittipaldo stated of Skowronek, in accordance with audio by way of 93.7 The Fan. “Nice particular groups participant and simply watching that group final yr, I do know he was damage, he’s in and outta the lineup due to accidents final yr. He was actually efficient after they used him as a receiver, too. So, I’m a giant fan. I believe they need to use him extra. Wherever he’s been, whether or not it’s been with the Rams or the Steelers, he appears to get pigeonholed into that particular groups man.
“However I believe that man’s a terrific athlete and I believe he is usually a greater a part of this offensive. If they permit it.”
A seventh-round choose in 2021, Skowronek developed right into a key particular groups piece with the Los Angeles Rams, working his approach into changing into a captain of the group. Whereas he held down a key particular groups position, he additionally began to grow to be a much bigger piece offensively underneath Sean McVay.
Profession snaps at fullback, in-line tight finish, exterior receiver and slot receiver confirmed off his versatility, and when he was on the sphere offensively he produced. A career-best 39 receptions for 376 yards and one speeding landing in 2022 put him on the map as an offensive weapon.
After being launched following the 2023 season, Skowronek spent a while with the Houston Texans final summer time earlier than touchdown with the Steelers, going from follow squad to priceless piece. Now, getting into 2025 he has an opportunity to carve out a much bigger position offensively for the Black and Gold.
He’s proven previously he is usually a downfield risk within the passing recreation. Final season with Pittsburgh he took on a flexible position underneath Arthur Smith, enjoying 102 offensive snaps, in accordance with Professional Soccer Focus. Of these snaps, 53 got here within the slot, 21 had been out vast, 26 had been as an in-line tight finish and one snap got here at fullback.
Skowronek has embraced the position of being an enforcer within the receiver room as a bodily, powerful blocker. That ought to get him on the sphere extra this season.
If it does, hopefully extra alternatives go his approach. He has a historical past of manufacturing and being a priceless piece. And he may offset a few of the depth issues at receiver.
