- By Dan Becker
- news@profootballtechs.com
Steelers: Steven Sims in slot?
Steven Sims showing in the slot position against the Baltimore Ravens late in the season suggest he may have dual-role upside in 2023.
Entering the 2023 off-season the Pittsburgh Steelers will be looking to grow around second-year quarterback Kenny Pickett.
Both a kick-returner and receiver, Sims is entering free agency but would be a valuable piece for Pittsburgh to consider.
In 2022, Sims played well as a slot-receiver after Chase Claypool was traded. He caught 7 of 8 passes for 64 yards in the Steelers matchups vs the Baltimore Ravens.
He also turned heads in the ground game, gaining 70 yards on just 13 attemps (5.4 ypc) last season.
The importance of having a valuable slot receiver would give Pickett a much need option beyond deep-threat playmakers George Pickens and Dionte Johnson.
Sims is an affordable option
Sims also was a valuable option at Kick-Returner averaging 25.5 yards a return this past season. A valuable return game would give the Steelers great field position and take pressure off of Pickett. As a restricted free agent Sims is only due to make $895,000 and if matched by another team, it may not come at a high price for the Steelers.
Sims is entering his fourth year after previously playing for Washington. He had 4 touchdowns with the Commanders in 2019.