What Are the Steelers' Options at Slot Receiver?

Quietly, the Pittsburgh Steelers seem to be, at least on paper, presently without a slot receiver. The team released part-time slot receiver Justin Brown in early February, who was later picked up by the Buffalo Bills, while 2014 free-agent signing Lance Moore reportedly wants out of his two-year contract with the Steelers, due to unhappiness with his playing time.

This would seem to lead the Steelers toward adding another slot receiver either via free agency or the draft to fill the void left by the departed Brown and the potential release of the frustrated Moore. But the solution to this problem might already be on the roster. 

In fact, Brown's release and Moore's displeasure almost confirm that to be the case.

Vincent Pugliese/Associated Press

Brown and Moore were earmarked as the Steelers' slot receivers for 2014, but as the season came to an end it was clear the two were merely bit players in a well-functioning offense that, for the most part, simply did not need them.

According to Pro Football Focus, Justin Brown played 265 snaps during the 2014 season, and Moore played 264. Meanwhile, starting wideout Antonio Brown played 1,084 snaps, tight end Heath Miller played 1,103, receiver Markus Wheaton played 760 snaps and running back Le'Veon Bell played 943.

Player	Snaps
A. Brown	1,084
Miller	1,103
Wheaton	760
Bell	943
J. Brown	165
Moore	164

Though the latter four were all starters with specific roles, that did not preclude them from working in the slot.

Of Antonio Brown's 138 receptions (including playoffs) 57 of his catches and 631 of his yards came from between the numbers in the zero-to-19 yard range. Wheaton had 22 receptions in the slot, for 233 yards. Miller had 52 catches for 627 yards, and Bell had 466 yards and 39 receptions, along with another 29 catches for 213 yards between the numbers behind the line of scrimmage.

In contrast, Justin Brown had 11 catches for 92 yards in the slot, and Moore had eight for 78 yards. Pittsburgh simply did not need a singularly designated slot receiver in order to be productive between the numbers. They already had a core group on offense that could handle these duties when asked. Moore and Justin Brown were more rotational, situational players who didn't need to see the field that often given how well their teammates were performing.

Player	Total Rec.	Tot. Rec. Yds.	Slot Rec.	Slot Yds.
A. Brown	138	1,815	57	631
Wheaton	58	710	22	233
Miller	72	842	52	627
Bell	83	854	39	466
J. Brown	12	94	11	92
Moore	14	198	8	78

That's why the Steelers were finally willing to part ways with Justin Brown and why it won't do much damage should they honor Moore's request for a release. Though it's conceivable that the Steelers may bring on another slot-capable receiver for depth purposes—or ignore Moore's plea—it's not too likely that either player would get much on-field time in 2015, barring an injury.

So, the Steelers may be lacking a dedicated receiver to work out of the slot, but they aren't at a loss for slot receivers heading into 2015. That four players can take up the duties of a fifth frees up a roster spot and cash for the Steelers to use elsewhere. The Steelers can get more than enough production in the slot from Brown, Bell, Miller and Wheaton.