One consistent issue that the Pittsburgh Steelers had throughout their 2024 campaign was the receiver room. George Pickens is insanely talented, but behind him, no one else was a consistent, reliable starter. In terms of roster assessment, wideout seems to be the top priority for the team. It would not be surprising to see the front office draft a receiver high in the 2025 NFL Draft, as well as signing whatever big name they can find in free agency. The Steelers went big game hunting in 2024, and they missed every shot.
Benjamin B. Braun / Post-Gazette
Steelers' George Pickens points for a first down against the New York Jets in Week 7.
Their best addition was Van Jefferson, who averaged just over a reception per game. Roman Wilson, their supposed third-round steal, played a total of five snaps due to multiple injuries. All in all, it was a terrible year for the position group as a whole, and Omar Khan needs to do better in 2025.
The most exciting answer to this dilemma is Tee Higgins of the Cincinnati Bengals. He has been a consistent force as a WR2 throughout his five-year career. In 2024, he had 911 yards and 10 touchdowns in just 12 games. When he's healthy, he is a true threat that has to be treated like a top wideout.
During his weekly Q&A chat, Brian Batko was asked about the odds of the Steelers locking up Higgins in free agency. He doesn't seem to have high hopes.
"Personally, I think they should pursue [Tee Higgins] as much as any team in the NFL and as much as they've ever gone after a free agent, but there's no guarantee the Bengals let him leave and if they do, just about everyone will be interested, too. So for that reason, I'll place the odds at 0.5%."
Just because the Steelers have a drastic need at wide receiver doesn't mean the NFL will hand Higgins over on a silver platter. If Khan truly wants him, he will have to win a bidding war against everyone else, including the Bengals, and that's assuming that he doesn't sign a new deal before the legal tampering period -- which he still could do.
Jeff Dean / AP Photo
Steelers cornerback Cameron Sutton attempts to make a tackle on Bengals receiver Tee Higgins during a regular season game in 2022 in Cincinnati, OH.
Spotrac currently has Higgins' market value at $25.1 million per year for four years. With the many pending free agents and other needs that the Steelers have, they may not be willing to pay that much to bring him in. Meanwhile, there will be plenty of other teams that will be willing to hand Higgins a blank check.
Steelers' Other Free Agent Receiver Options
The 2025 receiver free agency class is very top-heavy. After you get past the top options like Higgins, there aren't many great starting-caliber wideouts. Chris Godwin would be a great option, but like Higgins, he will command a lot of money after his recent production with the Tampa Buccaneers.
The Steelers were linked to Darius Slayton around the trade deadline in the 2024 season. Now that he is a free agent, the Steelers can sign him without losing draft capital in the process. While he may not be top wideout material, he could be a solid option as a WR2 or WR3. At very least, he's an upgrade to what the Steelers currently have on their roster.
Seth Wenig / Associated Press
Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton begins to run a route as New York plays a professional football game at home.
Amari Cooper has been a solid starter, even after hitting his peak. While he likely is not a long-term option, he can still be useful as a depth piece until the Steelers can find their next franchise player at that position. The veteran has been around the league and there isn't much that he has yet to see. Maybe he can help coach the younger receivers too.
What do you think about Higgins most likely not going to the Steelers? Who else could they sign to fill that need? Let us know in the comments.
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