Steelers must consider moving on from this player

The Steelers (3-2) are in first place in the AFC North heading into their bye week. If they hope to make the playoffs for the first time since 2021, they must remove one of the biggest problems on their roster.

Pittsburgh must consider moving on from WR Gunner Olszewski during its Week 6 bye. Olszewski almost fumbled the game away in Week 5 against the Ravens and now has four fumbles on just 28 total touches as a Steeler.

The team signed Olszewski to a two-year, $4.2 million contract in 2022 after he had an All-Pro season as a special teams returner for the Patriots in 2020.

However, it has far from worked out for Pittsburgh. Olszewski has just six catches for 53 yards and zero touchdowns in 18 games played for the Steelers. The 26-year-old has also averaged just seven yards per punt return and 14 yards per kickoff return.

More than anything, Olszewski has become a liability for turning the football over. In close games like Pittsburgh found itself in last week, a turnover can be the difference between a win and a loss.

Luckily for Olszewski, rookie CB Joey Porter Jr. came away with a touchdown-saving interception that aided a Steelers comeback win following his fumble.

Second-year WR Calvin Austin III seems to be the primary punt returner but if he ever gets hurt, Olszewski is the next man up. That should no longer be the case.

If Pittsburgh moves on from Olszewski, the team could acquire a player like Jets WR Mecole Hardman, who is reportedly available for a trade. Hardman wouldn't cost high compensation and would provide much higher upside as a special teams returner and wide receiver. 

The two-time Super Bowl champion has caught 152 balls for 2,094 yards and 16 touchdowns in his career as well as totaling 1,482 yards and two touchdowns as a returner.

It's time for a change and Hardman is one of several players the Steelers can turn to.