Steelers' Best Option At Wide Receiver Brings The "Strong Interior Blocking Toughness That They Need"

The Pittsburgh Steelers seem to get linked to every player under the sun each offseason, and the 2025 offseason is no exception. The uncertainty at quarterback and the need for at least one strong wide receiver has only increased the rumors. These rumors aren't new; 2025 feels like Groundhog's Day since the Steel City went through this during 2024. 

Once again, the Steelers need a wide receiver. The names in play are from all over the league, such as Tee Higgins, Chris Godwin, Christian Kirk, and Cooper Kupp. During 2024, the Steelers were reportedly trying to make a trade for Kirk when he broke his collarbone, ending his season. They also attempted to land players like Brandon Aiyuk and Davante Adams.

Unfortunately, none of them panned out, and the Steelers were left with George Pickens and a lot of depth. After the team collapsed at the end of the season, they hopefully realized they cannot run it back in the same manner. 

Mark Kaboly, from The Pat McAfee Show, was recently on The Fan Morning Show on 93.7 The Fan and was asked about the available wide receivers. Guest host Jason Mackey asked him if he had a choice between Kupp, Deebo Samuel, or some other unnamed receiver, who he thinks makes the most sense for the Black and Gold. 

"I think it's Deebo, Deebo by far," said Kaboly. "Just look at the salary in itself. First of all, I think that Deebo fits what they want to do, pending he's healthy. He's 29. He didn't have the best of years, but he has had previous Pro Bowl-caliber seasons. I think he's that strong interior blocking toughness that they need. Plus, he's cheap as can be."

Kaboly cautioned fans not to just look at "various websites" to find out how much a player will cost the Steelers. He said Samuel's base salary is about $1.2 million, and the rest was incentives. He said most of that money was already paid by the San Francisco 49ers so that they will want draft compensation, but that should be doable.  

Spotrac lists Samuel's salary for 2024 as $1.125 million, but notes that the 49ers paid him just over $24 million in a signing bonus. That makes him much cheaper than his California counterpart, Kupp -- whose base salary was $15 million for 2024, carrying a dead cap hit of nearly $30 million. 

"Kupp is what, 31? 32," added Kaboly. "Right now, you're looking at $19 million he would be owed by the team acquiring him, including $12.5 million base, $7.5 million roster bonus - the Steelers would never pay that roster bonus. The only way I can see the Cooper Kupp thing coming to fruition is if the Rams eat a big portion of that money and the roster bonus is gone. I think Deebo better fits what they want and I think they can get him relatively cheap." 

Kaboly said he still wouldn't sign Samuel. He is in the final year of his current contract, so he would make it a "one-and-done" deal.  Samuel can complain and say he wants a bigger contract, but after a tough 2024, he might be at the mercy of what a team will give him. 

He will have to do what Higgins did, according to Kaboly. Higgins was franchise-tagged by the Cincinnati Bengals, and he balled out last season and likely secured a solid payday for 2025. 

Steelers Can't Create Another Hole

The Steelers haven't decided what to do about Pickens yet. He is still under contract, but many believe the team should trade him now while he still has value. 

There is no denying Pickens' talent, but his behavior has been a concern. One worry is that if Pittsburgh brings in Samuel and lets Pickens go, they will have created another hole to fill. Not everyone sees Samuel as a wide receiver one talent anymore. Some believe they should seek a veteran to help bring Pickens along and fill the void. 

Which receiver do you think makes the most sense? Tell us what you think below!

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