The Pittsburgh Steelers are expected to explore every option available in the wide receiver market. After striking out on every quality option in 2024, it has become clear that they can't make that mistake again. Luckily, the somewhat top-heavy free agency class has been reinforced with new trade targets and cap casualties getting let go. The Steelers should have plenty of options available to them. Failure is inexcusable this time around. They can't put all their eggs into one basket; they need all kinds of backup plans to make sure the team has plenty of quality receiving options.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers celebrate after Van Jefferson (11) catches a touchdown pass from Russell Wilson (3) in Pittsburgh, PA at Acrisure Stadium in 2024.
One of those options is Christian Kirk, who was just released by the Jacksonville Jaguars to save some money. The Steelers were close to finalizing a deal with Jacksonville for Kirk before he broke his collarbone in 2024, so it would not be shocking to see them try to sign him again.
In the comments of the post, Patrick Queen and DeShon Elliott both sent a message to try and get Kirk to sign with the Steelers.
Patrick Queen and DeShon Elliott want Christian Kirk to come to Pittsburgh
— The Standard (@TheStandard412) March 5, 2025
👀👀👀👀👀👀#Steelers #NFL pic.twitter.com/w3Cm8At0So
It's no secret that the Steelers need help at the receiver position, and their own defensive players know that. It would not be surprising to see them reach out to other available receivers to sign in Pittsburgh. Elliott has quickly developed a reputation for speaking his mind.
Mark J. Rebilas / USA TODAY Sports
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Christian Kirk (#13) runs on the field against the Los Angeles Chargers during a wild-card playoff game at then-TIAA Bank Field.
Before his injury, Kirk had 27 receptions for 379 yards and a touchdown in eight games. At this point in his career, Kirk seems like a solid #3 / depth option, as opposed to the topflight wideout that the Jaguars anticipated when they broke the market by signing him. He did have over 1,100 yards in the one year that he was fully healthy, so he might still have something left in the tank.
He could also be that veteran presence that the Steelers desperately need. Van Jefferson and Allen Robinson II were seen as the veterans of the room in previous years, but they barely produced. They need someone like Kirk to help lead the young wideouts while also putting up numbers on the field.
Steelers Need More Than Kirk
Of course, signing Kirk won't magically fix everything in the passing game. George Pickens was the Steelers' only reliable receiver in 2024, and there are rumors about him being shopped. They will most likely draft someone early on like Emeka Egbuka to help shore up the room while hoping Roman Wilson can develop.
Rick Osentoski / USA Today
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver, Emeka Egbuka (2) stands with his hands on his hips during a home game in Ohio.
If the Steelers were to trade Pickens, then it's safe to say that they would go after another veteran option like Chris Godwin or Darius Slayton. Whichever quarterback starts for the Steelers could be happy with throwing to a core of Godwin, Kirk, and Egbuka. Even if Pickens stays, that wide receiver room could be something to help bring in more talent.
Whether Queen and Elliott are able to recruit receivers like Kirk or not, expect the team to be very aggressive and very active. The players obviously still care and want to win with the best talent they can find, and that could and should be motivation for the front office to not sit on their hands. They have been very active since the change at general manager, and it should be the same in this case.
What do you think about Queen and Elliott trying to recruit Kirk? Will it work? Will they try to recruit other players? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
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