Steelers Sign Van Jefferson in Falcons' Arthur Smith Reunion
Even after hiring former Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris and Zac Robinson (passing game coordinator) as their head coach and offensive play-caller, respectively, the Atlanta Falcons couldn't re-sign Van Jefferson.
The former Rams receiver, who was traded to Atlanta before this past season, has agreed to a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers, as first reported by The 33rd Team's Ari Meirov.
Oct 29, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Van Jefferson (15) against the Tennessee Titans during the second at Nissan Stadium.
Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports
The 27-year-old will join a Steelers offense run by former Falcons coach Arthur Smith as its offensive coordinator and will include newly signed quarterback Russell Wilson.
Jefferson's reunion with Smith comes despite last season's trade for him not working out as each side had hoped. The former second-round pick out of Florida never got going in Atlanta, totaling just 101 yards on 12 receptions despite playing in 12 games as a Falcon.
However, even while Jefferson has had two consecutive down seasons, compiling 578 yards and three touchdowns while playing in 28 games, his 2021 season could provide a blueprint for getting the most out of him.
In that season, a then-second-year Jefferson had a career year functioning effectively as the Rams' No. 2 receiver. While playing in all 17 games, Jefferson finished second on the team in receiving with 802 yards and six touchdowns on 50 receptions, helping the Rams win the franchise's second-ever Super Bowl.
Following the Steelers' trade of Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers, Jefferson will have a chance to be Wilson's second option out wide, behind only George Pickens.
