The Pittsburgh Steelers have been making moves during this free-agency period. Several players have left the team including Cam Sutton, Devin Bush, and Robert Spillane. There have also been some new additions which include Cole Holcomb, Nate Herbig, and Patrick Peterson. One position that is still in question is the wide receiver.
Pittsburgh Post Gazette
Cornerback Patrick Peterson signs with the Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers do not currently appear to be in desperate need of a wide receiver. This is a position that Pittsburgh is known for drafting well, with people jokingly consistently calling the team "wide receiver university" due to the front office's knack for recruiting young talent.
Young is one word to describe what this receiver room is right now. The most senior member of the group is Diontae Johnson. At 26 years of age, he is coming off the worst statistical year of his career. It would be remiss not to mention the number of factors that may have contributed to his struggles - a new quarterback, another new quarterback, questionable play calling, an emerging offensive line and so on.
However, he took a lot of heat for not scoring a single touchdown in 2022. Johnson still led the team in receiving yards with only 882. The Steelers also saw rookie, George Pickens step up as the season evolved. He became a fan favorite and an internet sensation for his ability to make wild, contested catches. Everyone is looking for him to have an explosive sophomore season.
Behind Pickens and Johnson, Steven Sims and Gunner Olszewski both saw playing time. Another rookie, Calvin Austin III created quite a stir at last year's training camp, but suffered an injury during training camp that kept him out all year. Fans have high expectations for the young man and are hoping for great things from the trio of Johnson, Pickens and Austin.
Should The Steelers Pick Up A WR Free Agent?
On his podcast, The Arthur Moats Experience, former Steelers linebacker, Arthur Moats and his co-host, Deke weighed in on what Pittsburgh should do at the receiver position. It felt unlikely that the team would draft another rookie with so many young players already on the roster. However, as they made moves in free agency once the tampering period opened it was clear receiver wasn't the immediate priority.
Moats and Deke ran through the list of remaining free agent receivers and spotlighted a few that could be potential targets. The majority of the names, including Darius Slayton, D.J. Chark and Marvin Jones, were set aside. They will either be too expensive or not a good fit for the team. In fact, Moats feels there are few free agent receivers out there that he feels are worth a hefty price tag given the talent we have already got.
Adam Thielen
In a bit of a surprise move, the Minnesota Vikings released fan favorite and 32-year-old, Adam Thielen. Thielen was signed in 2013 by the Vikings as an undrafted free agent and has not disappointed. He has spent 10 years in Minnesota and has been to two Pro Bowls. He had 70 catches for 716 yards in 2022 and has 30 touchdowns in his last three seasons. Moats noted that if the price is right, Thielen brings some needed veteran leadership to a young offense as well as proven productivity.
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New Orleans Saints wide receiver Jarvis Landry
Jarvis Landry
Jarvis Landry is a name that Moats mentioned as well. Landry is coming from the New Orleans Saints in 2022 where he did not have a fantastic year. It is fair to take into consideration his unique quarterback situation. He showed early that he is still productive and, like Thielen, brings some leadership to the room. Moats said,
"Jarvis is a good leader, a good locker room guy. Super tough in terms of what he brings on the field but price tag versus productivity especially at this stage in his availability, that's what kind of has me really shy on him. I just don't want to spend what we would need to spend to get that. I like all the intangible stuff that he brings. I like the physical toughness he will bring, but other than that, I don't want to spend because you know he thinks he wants to get paid. Ain't nothing wrong with that but I just don't think we should spend like that."
Odell Beckham Jr.
Moats said that it seems like plenty of rumors are swirling around Odell Beckham Jr. He feels he is off the table for the Steelers. However, he notes that while fans might cringe at the name on paper, he would fit well. He said that he theoretically likes Beckham and his work on the field, but thinks that financially and his ego will prevent him from being a good fit.
Steelers rookie wide receiver, George Pickens (#14) warms up at Acrisure Stadium prior to a 2022 preseason game. | Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Moats and Deke seem to agree that the Steelers should just hang on to Steven Sims for now and see how the draft goes. What do you think? Do you think the Steelers need to grab one of these free agents? If so, which? How do you think the group Pittsburgh has will do in 2023? Click to comment below.
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