The Pittsburgh Steelers are gearing up in an attempt to save their season on the road against the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the playoffs. The Steelers have had a brutal month, losing four straight games, but all it takes is an upset win over the Ravens in the playoffs to calm down the fan base. The Ravens are 10-point favorites, and no one is truly giving Pittsburgh much of a chance. However, playoff games often bring surprises, and the Steelers are hoping for a spark in the postseason that will turn their fortunes around.
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Steelers' George Pickens takes his helmet off during loss to the Browns in Week 12 of the 2024 season.
One of the reasons football fans aren’t giving the Steelers much of a chance is because of their brutal offense. In 2024, the offense has struggled to find its rhythm, with inconsistent play at quarterback and a lack of explosive options outside of George Pickens. Despite flashes of talent, the Steelers have been unable to move the ball with any real consistency, leaving them reliant on their defense to keep them in games. If the offense can't rise to the occasion, it will be difficult to pull off an upset in Baltimore.
With their current offensive struggles, the Steelers’ need for a playmaker at wide receiver is more evident than ever. The team has been linked to the Cincinnati Bengals star wide receiver Tee Higgins for the 2025 season, with rumors swirling that the Bengals may not be able to afford to keep him.
According to Bleacher Report, a move for a playmaker could give Pittsburgh a much-needed boost on offense, making the team more dynamic and potentially setting them up for future success. As the Steelers look to salvage their season, they’ll also be keeping an eye on the long-term potential of their roster for the next season.
Is there any chance Tee Higgins stays a Bengal? 👀 pic.twitter.com/ONdF647Hv3
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) January 7, 2025
The Bengals boasted one of the most explosive offenses in all of football during the 2024 season, yet they still missed the playoffs. Despite this, the team has been vocal about their desire to keep their star trio of Joe Burrow, Higgins, and Ja'Marr Chase intact. However, retaining all three could prove challenging, especially given the financial hurdles they face.
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Bengals' Tee Higgins makes a catch against the Steelers.
With Burrow and Chase commanding a significant portion of the salary cap, keeping Higgins won't come cheap. Higgins played under the franchise tag in 2024 and is set to hit free agency after the season. The Bengals also face the pressing need to invest in a defense that ranked among the worst in the league. While keeping Higgins would be difficult, it's not entirely out of the question—though the team may have to make some tough decisions elsewhere to make it work.
Steelers Could Make Big Push For Bengals' Tee Higgins In 2025
If the Steelers are determined to steal Higgins from the Bengals, they certainly have the potential to do so, but it won’t come cheap. With a defense featuring veteran playmakers and a pressing need for offensive talent, adding a star like Higgins would not only weaken a divisional rival but also elevate a struggling offense. Pairing Higgins with Pickens would instantly create one of the most formidable wide receiver duos in the NFL, giving the Steelers a dangerous new weapon in their arsenal.
AP Photo / Stephanie Scarbrough
Steelers' Mike Tomlin looks on during a tough game against the Ravens.
The Steelers aren’t the only team expected to pursue Higgins, as many clubs will be vying for his services. It will be intriguing to see what kind of effort Pittsburgh puts forth to acquire him or other wide receivers for the 2025 season. For now, however, their primary focus remains on breaking their playoff drought and salvaging their current season.
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