Steelers Named As Best Landing Spot For Former Cowboys' Play-Maker

One of the bigger questions surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers as the 2024 NFL Draft approaches is at wide receiver. Following a trade that sent Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers, the team had only one proven wideout on the roster. George Pickens will be the unquestioned top target moving forward, but his supporting cast of Calvin Austin III, Van Jefferson and Quez Watkins isn't inspiring confidence across the fan base. The ship has reportedly sailed for the organization and Tyler Boyd, leaving the draft as the most likely option to bolster the unit. There is another free agent still available to potentially join Pickens, however.

There weren't a plethora of legitimate options in free agency to begin with and with a stronger-than-usual draft class, the Steelers may decide to select two pass-catchers in the draft. If they choose to go in a different direction, however, Dallas Robinson of Pro Football Network has an idea for the franchise. Targeting a former 1,000-yard catcher in Michael Gallup may be a good move if the price is right.

"The Steelers traded WR Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers earlier this month, leaving them with George Pickens and a host of question marks on their wideout depth chart. Pittsburgh has signed Van Jefferson and Quez Watkins, neither of whom is an inspiring choice as a starting wide receiver."

Gallup was designated as a post-June 1st release by the Dallas Cowboys. He finally inked a massive five-year, $62.5 million contract extension in the 2022 offseason, after breaking out in years prior. He fell off following his big deal, which led to the Cowboys moving on from him recently. He has some pedigree and traits, but a drop off in production after his pay day is a concerning piece of his potential arrival in Pittsburgh.

Robinson added the fact that a devastating injury may have led to the significant fall off from Gallup. He has garnered some interest from some teams however, including one of the Steelers' rivals.

"Michael Gallup hasn’t been the same player since tearing his ACL in 2022, but has a 1,000-yard campaign (2019) on his ledger. The 6’1″, 200-pounder can give the Steelers more size on the perimeter and wouldn’t prevent them from drafting an early-round WR. Gallup has drawn free agent interest from the Panthers and Ravens since being released by the Dallas Cowboys in early March."

The 2023 campaign was Gallup's first full season since he tore his ACL. It's very possible that a change of scenery and full offseason of being healthy could put his name back on the map as a solid number two wideout. There are no signs that the Steelers have shown interest in him yet, but weeks leading up to the draft could change that fact.

Pickens needs a running mate if he wants to put up huge numbers in 2024. Bringing in Gallup may only be on a one, potentially two-year deal, but he has had more success than any other pass-catcher on the roster not named Pickens. General Manager Omar Khan is likely going to draft someone at the position, but an addition of Gallup may change that number to one, instead of two.

Steelers Don't Have Many Options At Wide Receiver In Leftover Free Agency Batch

With the Boyd talks fading, there are not many realistic options for Pittsburgh at wide receiver. There are certainly not many that could step in and be the number two option. One could argue Odell Beckham Jr. could be a good target, but his price tag and age might be a turnoff. Overall, the Steelers will use the draft, but Gallup might not be a bad person to call and lure in.

Would you be open to Gallup coming to Pittsburgh? Let us know in the comments below!

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