Steelers Remain As A Top Landing Spot For 2 Veteran Wide Receivers

The Pittsburgh Steelers recently traded veteran free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith. Despite the initial shock, the Steelers now find themselves with one of the best tight end rooms in the entire NFL, while adding a significant upgrade to the team's secondary as well. 

While both Ramsey and Smith are expected to be major contributors to the team's success throughout the season, the Steelers are reportedly still interested in adding wide receiver depth for quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Despite many solid options remaining available in free agency, Pittsburgh has most recently been linked to Amari Cooper and Keenan Allen. Both veterans would prove to be solid options behind DK Metcalf, as a decision is expected to be made prior to the start of training camp.

With rumors continuing to surround both Cooper and Allen's free agency process, CBS Sports analyst Cody Benjamin took a moment to give his thoughts on the situation.

"At this point, it just feels irresponsible not to include the Steelers on any list of potential skill-weapon suitors," Benjamin stated.

Benjamin went on to speak about how Cooper and Allen would fit in Arthur Smith's offense, adding that a receiver of their caliber is exactly what Rodgers may be looking for behind Metcalf.

"Both Allen and Cooper are precisely the kind of crisp route-runners that Rodgers would surely endorse, and it's not like their entry would threaten too many of Metcalf's opportunities as the bona fide No. 1," Benjamin said.

Allen, a 12-year veteran and six-time Pro Bowler, is an elite wide receiver who would make a massive impact behind Metcalf and Calvin Austin lll. Allen would almost certainly challenge Austin for Pittsburgh's wide receiver two (WR2) slot as well, as the veteran has proven to be a contributor at every stage of his career. Allen may emerge as a cheaper option too, as the former Chicago Bears wideout finds himself still without a team just weeks before the start of training camp.

Cooper, who was traded in a midseason deal last year involving the Cleveland Browns and the Buffalo Bills, is another elite option who would thrive with Rodgers as his quarterback. A 10-year veteran and five-time Pro Bowler, Cooper would provide Metcalf with much more space to work with as he would require a respectable amount of attention from opposing defenses. 

As both Cooper and Allen remain as two of the top remaining free agents, both veterans are expected to find a new team by the start of training camp.

Steelers' DK Metcalf Entering Unknown Situation In 2025

With the start of training camp continuing to grow closer, Metcalf finds himself entering an unfamiliar situation in his first season as a Steeler. He was acquired earlier in the offseason in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks and is expected to thrive as Pittsburgh's clear cut top receiving option. Despite the optimism, Metcalf enters the 2025 season without an established WR2 playing behind him for the first time in his career. 

The Steelers currently expect Austin to be the team's second receiver entering the season, as the rising star will look to prove himself in the final year of his rookie deal. Despite the unfamiliarity, Metcalf should face no problem becoming a major beneficiary of having Rodgers as his quarterback, and is widely expected to pick up right where he left off in Seattle. Fans may want to monitor both Metcalf and Austin throughout training camp, as both are slated to play a major role on Pittsburgh's offense in 2025.

Either veteran in Cooper or Allen would thrive in Pittsburgh with Rodgers, as both are widely expected to emerge as cheap and risk free options. Fans should continue to keep a close eye on the Steelers' market activity, as both Pro Bowlers would prove to be top contributors.

Do you think the Steelers should sign Allen or Cooper? Comment below!

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