Steelers’ WR3 over the 2nd half the season, Steven Sims makes case to keep role in ‘23

The longest passing play of what was arguably the biggest win of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ season wasn’t thrown to whom you might expect.

The clutch, skillful 28-yard catch over the middle at the two-minute warning of the Jan. 1 primetime victory at the rival Baltimore Ravens wasn’t by Diontae Johnson, Pat Freiermuth or George Pickens.

Nope, the play that set up the Steelers’ dramatic win that, at that point, preserved their season was from Steven Sims.

“I know what I can do,” Sims said in looking back at the play on which he leaped between two defenders and secured the ball deep in Baltimore territory on the drive that produced the go-ahead touchdown of a 16-13 win.

“Yeah, it showed I can make plays anywhere on the field, but I already knew that. That’s how I feel. I have played receiver all my life, and it’s kind of just, you get to this level, there’s a lot of things that go into it. But I can play that role (on offense).”

After entering training camp at No. 7 or 8 on the Steelers’ WR depth chart, Sims by the end of the season indeed was showing he can play a viable role.

The Steelers’ slot man and WR3 over the entire second half of the season after the Chase Claypool trade, Sims averaged almost three offensive touches per game. That put him in the conversation to hold onto the slot role as the Steelers begin to shape their plans for 2023.

“I definitely feel I belong in this offense,” Sims said soon after the season ended. “I know I can return the ball. But I also know I can play receiver in this league, so I am just waiting on my opportunity receiver-wise. I got more reps as the season went on and just made a couple plays here and there.”

Sims had 14 catches for 104 yards, 13 rushes for 70 yards and 25.5-yard average on kick returns that ranked sixth in the NFL and included an 89-yard return Oct. 16. Sims also had a team-high 24-yard punt return.

“He’s electric with the ball in his hands,” coach Mike Tomlin said in November.

The following week, Steelers special teams coordinator Danny Smith called Sims “a spark.”

Steven Sims on an opportunity to be the top slot WR going forward pic.twitter.com/qzfszQudax

— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) November 7, 2022

Sims showed enough during training camp and the preseason to make the 53-man roster. It was somewhat surprising in light of the fact the Steelers had signed Gunner Olszewski in the spring to be their primary return man.

But Olszewski’s fumbles early in the season led to Sims “getting a hat” for the first time Oct. 9 in Buffalo, even if a fluke pregame eye injury soured that 2022 debut.

Benefiting in part from season-ending injuries to Anthony Miller and Calvin Austin III, Sims during the preseason won in the competition to earn the final roster spot at receiver.

This after being active for only one game for the Steelers in 2021 following a release at the end of training camp by Washington, a team for which Sims had made 61 catches and scored seven touchdowns in 2019-20.

“You always want more, but definitely feel as if there are no questions that at this level I can return the football, as I did in Washington,” Sims said. “Just had to kind of redeem myself a little bit.”

Sims revitalized his career in 2022. And as a soon-to-be 26-year-old embarking on a fifth NFL training camp, he offers a veteran savvy to a young Steelers receiving corps.

“I definitely learned a lot from him,” Austin, a rookie, said, “and will continue to. If I need tips or someone to talk about how to get better, he’s always there.”

But will Sims be there next season? The Steelers own his rights, but Austin and Miller are back to health and the team surely will add to the WR room as they look to fortify the group beyond Johnson and Pickens.

“From camp on, I definitely felt like I left a good impression with Danny and the offensive staff,” Sims said. “I would be happy to be here for the rest of my career, definitely. I love it here, I love the coaches, I love Danny so much, but we’re gonna see. I can’t wait.”

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