The Pittsburgh Steelers have made a surprising and underwhelming move to address their wide receiver needs in the 2025 offseason.
After much anticipation and calls from fans for significant upgrades, the team signed Montana Lemonious-Craig, a relatively unknown wide receiver with limited college production and athletic testing results.
What Happened
On Tuesday, as Steelers OTAs began, the team officially signed wide receiver Montana Lemonious-Craig, a former player at Colorado and Arizona.
This move marks the Steelers’ attempt to add depth at wide receiver, though it falls short of fans’ expectations for a major upgrade.
Key Details
- Lemonious-Craig’s college career spanned five years with 47 games played.
- He never recorded more than 28 receptions or 359 receiving yards in a single season.
- His senior year stats included 17 receptions for 172 yards and 1 touchdown over 11 games.
- Athletic testing showed below-average results: a 4.54 40-yard dash at his pro day, a 9’9” broad jump, and a 4.34-second 3-cone drill.
- His Relative Athletic Score (RAS) was a modest 5.57, indicating limited NFL athletic upside.
Reactions and Statements
Steelers fans have expressed frustration, as the signing does little to improve a position that has been a priority for upgrades in recent offseasons.
Many expected a veteran presence or a higher-profile receiver to join the roster after trading George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys earlier in May 2025.
General Manager Omar Khan’s choice to sign Lemonious-Craig appears to reflect a minimal commitment to wide receiver improvement, focusing instead on roster depth during training camp.
Investigation or What’s Next
With OTAs underway, the Steelers’ receiving corps is shaping up with Calvin Austin, Roman Wilson, and Robert Woods competing for the WR2 role behind DK Metcalf.
The team currently lacks a clear established second option, raising questions about their offensive strategy for the upcoming season.
Unless a major trade or signing—such as an unexpected veteran acquisition—occurs before the season, fans should expect little change to the wide receiver situation.
FAQs
Q: Who is Montana Lemonious-Craig?
A: A former college wide receiver at Colorado and Arizona, signed by the Steelers as a depth player in 2025.
Q: Why is this signing disappointing to fans?
A: Lemonious-Craig’s college production and athletic testing suggest limited NFL impact, failing to address the Steelers’ wide receiver needs adequately.
Q: What happened to George Pickens?
A: Pickens was traded to the Dallas Cowboys in May 2025, creating a void in the Steelers’ receiving corps.
Q: Who are the likely wide receivers for the Steelers in 2025?
A: DK Metcalf, Robert Woods, Calvin Austin, Roman Wilson, and now Montana Lemonious-Craig.
Q: Could the Steelers still sign a veteran receiver?
A: It’s possible but unlikely unless a significant opportunity arises before the season starts.
Summary / Final Takeaway
The Steelers’ signing of Montana Lemonious-Craig signals a lack of urgency to upgrade the wide receiver position in 2025.
While the move adds camp depth, it leaves many questions about the team’s offensive weaponry following the trade of George Pickens.
Fans hoping for a stronger receiving corps may need to temper expectations heading into the season.
