3 free agent WRs the Steelers should target following the expected trade of Diontae Johnson
With the Pittsburgh Steelers offloading Pro Bowl WR Diontae Johnson via trade on Tuesday, they suddenly have a gaping hole opposite of George Pickens. And while they can, and likely will draft a WR with a valued pick in April, they need a veteran presence to round out the room. Here are three current free […]
With the Pittsburgh Steelers offloading Pro Bowl WR Diontae Johnson via trade on Tuesday, they suddenly have a gaping hole opposite of George Pickens.
And while they can, and likely will draft a WR with a valued pick in April, they need a veteran presence to round out the room.
Here are three current free agents that fit that description:
Calvin Ridley
Now, don't hold your breath Steelers fans, as Ridley is largely believed to sign back with the Jacksonville Jaguars shortly after the new league year begins this afternoon (Wed, March, 13th) but Pittsburgh can still propose an offer he can't refuse.
Ridley isn't a true WR #1 in my opinion, but he doesn't have to be when you have a budding star like George Pickens on the team.
Replacing Johnson's route running and separation but in an extended frame while presenting more of a deep threat, Ridley is the best option on the market for Pittsburgh.
Tyler Boyd
Now Boyd is primarily a slot WR, but with Allen Robinson also being released, he could fill that role, while providing the veteran presence that Pittsburgh's WR room desperately needs.
A native Yinzer and former Pitt Panther, Boyd has been tied to the Steelers for some time given his pending free agency, though a new report suggests that he and Pittsburgh aren't exactly ready to put pen to paper.
Regardless, Pittsburgh could draft yet another thoroughbred for the perimeter to pair with Pickens while placing a crafty vet with leadership qualities and hometown ties in the slot via Boyd.
Josh Reynolds
Reynolds is an ideal fit for Pittsburgh as a replacement for Johnson given his skillset. A long and linear route runner, he could play as the flanker or Z WR while also interchanging with whoever is in the slot.
An ideal signing would be 2 years and around $15m, as the 29-year-old is coming off the best season of his career where he recorded 608 yards and a career-high five TDs on only 40 receptions, averaging a whopping 15.2 yards per reception.
Final Word
WR is no longer a luxury following the trade of Diontae Johnson. Honestly, outside of center, it is probably priority number one with Calvin Austin III currently the second-best option on the team.
To me, that means Pittsburgh will make a move both in free agency and early in the draft, with one of the aforementioned being ideal fits over the next few days.
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