The Pittsburgh Steelers have done a good job of being aggressive during the 2024 offseason. They have completely revamped the quarterback position by bringing in both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, and made a splash signing at linebacker with Patrick Queen. Despite the countless roster moves made by Pittsburgh however, there are still some troubling holes in the depth chart. One of the biggest holes comes at receiver, where the only surefire starter on the roster is George Pickens.
%202023%20Camp%20Final%20with%20Logos/2L9A8819-544x306.jpg "Steelers George Pickens")
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Steelers' George Pickens at training camp in 2023.
Steelers General Manager Omar Khan made a somewhat shocking move when he decided to trade Diontae Johnson and a seventh round pick to the Carolina Panthers for cornerback Donte Jackson along with the 178th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The deal helped fill a need at cornerback, but the Steelers already needed a third receiver and the trade made the Steelers even more desperate for help at wide receiver. The Steelers have signed Van Jefferson since the Johnson trade who is a good weapon with some experience, but shouldn't be relied upon as a second receiver.
Pittsburgh has been rumored to be looking for a receiver via trade, but there are also some good options still available in free agency. One option being Josh Reynolds, who played with the Detroit Lions during the 2023 season. According to Pro Football Focus, Reynolds is projected to sign a two-year deal worth $10.5 million. The deal would have an average annual value of $5.25 million with $5.75 million guaranteed.
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Josh Reynolds with the Detroit Lions in 2023.
Reynolds is entering his eighth season in the NFL in 2024. He has previously spent four seasons with the Los Angeles Rams, half a year with the Tennessee Titans, and two full seasons with the Lions. He has tons of experience in the league, catching 220 passes for nearly 3,000 yards and 19 touchdowns. In 2023, he recorded 40 receptions for 608 yards and five touchdowns. He is usually a very reliable receiver, but is most known for his crucial drops in the NFC Championship Game against the San Francisco 49ers in the 2023 season.
Reynolds makes a lot of sense in Pittsburgh though. He is coming from a run-first offense in Detroit, which is similar to the offense Arthur Smith plans to run. He is a scrappy receiver in the run game who isn't afraid to get his hands dirty blocking downfield. He may not be ideal as the second receiver behind Pickens, but fans should be happy if the Steelers sign him as the team's third receiver.
Reynolds has never been the focal point of any offense he has been in since being in the NFL. He has always been the second or third option at the receiver position. This means he shouldn't have any issue playing behind Pickens, or any other potential receivers the Steelers decide to bring in.
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Josh Reynolds on the field as a member of the Detroit Lions.
Steelers Still Exploring All Options At Receiver
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Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Patrick Peterson allows a touchdown to Brandon Aiyuk of the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1 of 2023.
The Steelers also showed interest in Mike Williams. They had a visit scheduled with him, but he wound up signing with the New York Jets before he even had a chance to come to Pittsburgh for his visit. Some have also spoken about the Steelers looking into signing Odell Beckham Jr., who is a free agent.
The Steelers need to fill the hole at receiver to take the pressure off of Pickens, and it sounds like bringing guys in through free agency or a big trade are two options that are still on the table. Pittsburgh is also expected to address the position during the 2024 NFL Draft.
Who do you want Pittsburgh to sign? Let us know in the comments below!
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