The Pittsburgh Steelers' offense is gearing up for a transformation in the upcoming season under the guidance of their new offensive coordinator, former Atlanta Falcons Head Coach, Arthur Smith. However, their recent acquisition of veteran wide receiver Allen Robinson II didn't yield the expected results.
%202023%20Camp%20Final%20with%20Logos/2L9A8911-544x306.jpg "Steelers Allen Robinson II")
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Steelers WR Allen Robinson II (#11).
In 2023, Robinson's performance was far from impressive, as he managed to catch just 34 passes for 280 yards with no touchdowns. Furthermore, his hefty cap hit of $11.9 million for 2024 raises questions about the Steelers' financial flexibility.
Pro Football Focus predicts that the Steelers could make a significant move in the offseason, including parting ways with Robinson and potentially bringing in a talented wide receiver, like Michael Thomas.
Steelers' Expensive Investment In Allen Robinson II
The Steelers took a significant financial leap by trading for Robinson, expecting him to be a game-changer for their offense. Unfortunately, his lackluster performance in 2023 raised concerns. While it's essential to acknowledge that his subpar production was not entirely his fault, the team cannot overlook his substantial cap hit of $11.9 million for the upcoming season.
If the Steelers decide to cut ties with Robinson, they could save a substantial $10 million in much-needed cap space. This financial flexibility could open doors to explore other options and improve the team's overall performance.
With the uncertainty surrounding Robinson's future in Pittsburgh, the Steelers need to consider alternatives to bolster their wide receiver corps. They have talent in Diontae Johnson and George Pickens, but adding another weapon could create opportunities and alleviate some of the pressure on these players. There are two main avenues the Steelers could explore. Obviously, the NFL Draft, and the free agent market.
-544x306.jpg "Steelers Mike Tomlin George Pickens Diontae Johnson")
Steelers.com
Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin talks with receivers George Pickens (#14) and Diontae Johnson (#18) after repeated taunting calls against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 7.
The NFL Draft presents an opportunity for the Steelers to infuse young talent into their wide receiver group. They can select a promising rookie who can contribute immediately and potentially become a long-term asset for the team. While the draft is always a gamble, finding the right player could be a cost-effective solution to address their offensive needs.
One intriguing option in the free agent market is Thomas, who had several highly productive seasons with the New Orleans Saints before injuries slowed him down. Although he may have lost a step, Thomas remains an extremely talented offensive weapon who could thrive in Pittsburgh's offensive scheme.
PFF, a controversial, yet renowned analytics site, has suggested that Thomas could have two likely landing spots: the Steelers and the Denver Broncos. PFF believes that the Steelers could benefit from adding Thomas as their No. 3 wide receiver alongside Johnson and Pickens.
“Pittsburgh brought Allen Robinson aboard to serve as the big slot possession receiver in 2023, and while his lack of production was not entirely his own doing, perhaps the Steelers take another swing with Thomas coming in as the No. 3 alongside Diontae Johnson and George Pickens. Moving Johnson and Pickens into the slot more to help create more separation on out-breakers like corner routes, an area Pickens excelled in 2023, adds more versatility to the whole unit.”
As mentioned, this strategic move could involve shifting Johnson and Pickens into the slot more often, creating additional opportunities in the passing game.
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Steelers could target WR Michael Thomas.
While Thomas' recent production numbers are eerily similar to Robinson's, the cost of bringing him to Pittsburgh might be more favorable. Thomas' contract demands are uncertain, but they are likely to be more manageable than Robinson's. In the 2023 season, Thomas caught 39 passes for 448 yards and one touchdown, indicating that he can still contribute effectively to an NFL offense when healthy.
PFF's insights suggest that Thomas could be a valuable addition to the team, and his contract might offer better value compared to Robinson. Ultimately, the Steelers' decision this offseason could reshape their offensive landscape and determine their prospects for success in the upcoming season.
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