The Pittsburgh Steelers have a bunch of holes they need to fill in the offseason. One of the main ones that is expected to be focused on is wide receiver, as expectations are that General Manager Omar Khan will end up signing a wideout, as well as using his first-round pick on that position. With 12 picks in hand, there's a great chance that he doubles up there to make sure there's plenty of depth and talent. No matter if he brings in a veteran or a rookie quarterback, he will need multiple great weapons.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers General Manager Omar Khan holds up a phone to his ear as he stands in the team's War Room during the 2025 NFL Draft.
The best option available is Mike Evans, although that feels like more of a pipe dream than anything else. He has been fiercely loyal to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and he has a great connection with quarterback Baker Mayfield. There seems to be no reason for him to explore other options, and even if were to, the Buccaneers would likely focus on making him a one-helmet guy and pay him what he wants.
However, there was a report saying that he may test out free agency. While making an appearance on NFL Live, Sam Acho brought up the Steelers as a great fit for Evans if he were to leave Tampa Bay.
"If he doesn't go to Tampa, I think the Pittsburgh Steelers could be a great option here for Mike Evans. Obviously, he's got the size, the skill, takes care of his body -- and you talk about Aaron Rodgers and all the things, that's another weapon for a veteran quarterback: two vets who know what it's like to win and win at the highest level."
While the Steelers have been desperate for a quality WR2, some have said that they don't even have a true #1 option on the roster. If that's the case, Evans would be perfect for that. He is the definition of consistency, as he has had over 1,000 receiving yards in all but one season, where he dealt with multiple nagging injuries all throughout the 2025 season. If he's healthy, he should be a stud still.
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Wide receiver Mike Evans celebrates with his family after winning his first ever Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Having Evans on the field would make opposing defensive coordinators change their gameplan. Even if they double-team him nonstop and take him out of the picture, that will free up DK Metcalf for more one-on-one opportunities, and he can show how valuable he truly is as well. They can keep feeding off each other. When one is struggling or taken out, the other can have a big game.
As the 2025 season ended, Evans showed an ultra-rare outburst as the Buccaneers choked away a 14-point lead on Thursday Night Football. Even on the field, he seemed to be frustrated at times. It's unclear whether he was upset at Mayfield, the defense, or his head coach, but there may be some tension in the locker room, and that could give him a reason to go elsewhere.
Steelers' Recent Issues Could Keep Them From Signing Evans
On the flip side, Evans' main downside is that he's not much of a route runner. He primarily runs go routes down the sideline and uses his size and speed to keep the opposing cornerback from getting to him. That is the same game that Metcalf plays. Having two go-ball merchants on the outside is not exactly the best strategy to go for.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland.
What the Steelers really need is a route runner that can create separation and not rely on jump balls. The sheer amount of talent between Evans and Metcalf could make it work, especially if they find a route runner in the slot, but that one little downside could result in Pittsburgh looking elsewhere to find another starter.
What do you think about the Steelers potentially signing Evans? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
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