The Raiders have traded wide receiver Ryan Switzer to the Steelers. The Raiders will receive a fifth-round pick in the trade while sending their own sixth-rounder to Pittsburgh.
The deal marks the second time that Switzer has been traded this offseason. In April, the Cowboys shipped Switzer to Oakland after acquiring Tavon Austin from the Rams. Dallas acquired 2016 Raiders second-round pick Jihad Ward in that trade.
Switzer offers experience as both a kick and punt returner, and that’s likely the main draw to this trade from the Steelers’ perspective. Switzer could allow Pittsburgh to keep Antonio Brown away from punt returns and reduce the star’s risk for injury. Cornerback Cameron Sutton was pushing to hold down that job, but the Steelers might be having second thoughts after he fumbled against the Titans in Saturday’s preseason contest. Switzer may also be able to contribute as a slot receiver.
The Raiders seemed likely to keep Switzer, but it appears that he has been leapfrogged by Griff Whalen this offseason. Whalen’s toe injury may keep him from the field in Week 1, but the Raiders opted to get something in return for Switzer instead.
A bit surprising for the Steelers with their WR depth. Also because kickoff returns are somewhat minimalized with the new rules. While it makes sense to keep AB out if the special teams mix, you would think they would try someone else who would be a lock to make the roster to return punts & kicks. Probably not a good sign for Darrius Heyward-Bey and/or Eli Rodgers.
Rogers is going to the PUP list for the first 6 weeks of the season, he isn’t healthy yet. Heyward-Bey could be in trouble but is such a good special teamed that he might make it anyways. Justin Hunter is the one who is likely now gone. They keep Brown, Smith-Shuster, James Washington, Switzer and Heyward-Bey. It’s a good mod for the Steelers even if Switzer only returns kicks because they haven’t had a good kickoff returner in at least a decade and they can’t afford to keep using AB on punts full time. Switzer will have a chance to claim the slot WR job too, Washington may be better suited outside.
I think they keep 6 WR for some reason and Hunter will be the 6th
Not good news for Tucker, Patterson, and Henderson for sure. Hunter should also be on the outside looking in imo. Not sure that Rogers will be there after he comes of the PUP.
Steelers will keep 6 WR.
Switzer returning all punts and kicks also always Steelers to have a true slot WR to be dressed as a backup.
Steelers didn’t have a player ranked in top 25 of return yards on kickoffs. Beasley was 3rd in NFL.
Also he was 8.8yds per return on punts. Both way above Steelers averages.
Shame we didn’t get Beasley we got Switzer
Dude looked completely lost against the Packers the other night.
I hear good things about him. I’m excited to see what he can do for the Steelers
Brown, JuJu, and Washington are the only definite locks in my opinion. Heyward-Bey has been iffy his whole career, Hunter doesn’t seem to impress coaching staffs even tho he’s very gifted athletically. And Rodgers is coming off a pretty lengthly layoff because of injury. No reason y u don’t take a flyer on a guy who has talent and versatility. He seems to me like a Pats WR eventually tho
Bey is a special teams guy. He will stay. Not sure why you say Hunter doesn’t seem to impress when he was running with the first team on Saturday and caught the opening TD
The Steelers have a healthy vindictive streak so I’m surprised they aren’t going to force Bell to do special team duty.
Make sure it’s not Martavis Bryant wearing a Ryan Switzer jersey.
Great pickup. Excellent return man at UNC. Remember the Jacoby Jones experiment? This is strictly to provide slot insurance for Washington and lessen AB’s punt returning duties to prevent injury. Smart.
Probably the end for former Pitt FA Quadry Henderson.
Great pickup for insurance! In addition to Ryan we also got a draft pick back..Steelers have not done to bad with sixth round picks IE Antonio Brown