Steelers Tabbed As Perfect Landing Spot For 2 Current Free Agents

The Pittsburgh Steelers knew that, despite earning a 2023 Wild Card Game, there was plenty of work to be done ahead of the 2024 season. New Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith, former head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, has been tasked with getting the most out of the young talent the team has. While the Steelers have been active throughout the 2024 offseason, that doesn't mean they are finished adding to their roster.

After Mason Cole's subpar 2023 season, the Steelers are on the hunt for a new center who won't set the offense back. Prospects like Zach Frazier and Jackson Powers-Johnson could be targets in the 2024 NFL Draft, but Pro Football Focus sees Pittsburgh addressing that need from a different source. Despite suffering a devastating ACL injury against the Tennessee Titans in December of 2023, Connor Williams is still seen as one of the top free agents available.

"Williams started his career with the Dallas Cowboys at left guard and blossomed in Miami at center, thriving as a run blocker in Mike McDaniel's zone blocking scheme, where he was able to quickly get to the second level and lead the way. While he doesn't have the world's strongest anchor in a phone booth, his fast first step off the line enables him to seal off defenders on the backside of runs by getting in position. Williams suffered a torn ACL in Week 14, which has impacted his market."

If the Steelers trust that Williams' injury is fully healed and won't negatively impact the offensive line, bringing in Williams could answer one of Pittsburgh's bigger questions. With Broderick Jones, James Daniels, and Isaac Seumalo already forming a formidable group, adding Williams could turn them from a talented line into an elite unit.

The Steelers are surely going to add to the wide receiver position. After trading Diontae Johnson, Pittsburgh is missing a second dynamic receiver to go along with George Pickens. The 2024 draft has plenty of potential receiver prospects, but PFF sees Tyler Boyd as a more immediate response to that need.

"Boyd is a big slot receiver with solid blocking chops in the run game. He rarely ever drops a target and does well to sit in soft spots of zones on key passing downs. However, Boyd posted several career-low marks in 2023, and with so many big financial decisions facing Cincinnati, the Bengals may not be willing to offer him as much as other teams looking to upgrade their unit over the middle."

It comes down to whether the Steelers want a proven pass catcher with more tread on the tire and a few questions or a rookie on whom they will be rolling the dice. Both choices come with concerns, but with Boyd, the Steelers would get a player they are more than familiar with. After signing Patrick Queen, bringing in another former AFC North rival would be sweet for Steelers' fans, indeed. Boyd can attack the middle of the field, and with Pickens' speed on the outside mixed with his large frame, the former Bengals' receiver could be exactly what Pittsburgh needs.

Steelers Could Go Big At Receiver

Omar Khan and Mike Tomlin are counting down the days until the 2024 NFL Draft. Pittsburgh's moves during the 2024 offseason immediately upgraded them over 2023, but the draft allows for even more improvement. The only question is where they will choose to make those improvements.

Many see the Steelers selecting a receiver, a center, or an offensive tackle with their first picks in the draft. With Johnson gone from the receiving corps there is a need for someone else to challenge opposing defenses opposite Pickens. While they may not take a huge swing for someone like Marvin Harrison Jr., there are certainly other options who will be able to come in an contribute for Pittsburgh.

Brian Thomas Jr. out of LSU, Adonai Mitchell, who played at Texas, or Roman Wilson out of Michigan would all be considered high-tier picks for the Steelers. Any of those three would create a dangerous duo with Pickens, as well as give Russell Wilson or Justin Fields another legitimate target. Everything is aimed at getting the Steelers back to making deep postseason runs rather than simply accepting being okay. Adding a solid receiver option would show that the Steelers were quite serious about their 2024 goals.

What receiver should the Steelers select in the 2024 NFL Draft? 

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