4 Free Agent WRs the Steelers Might Goal After Buying and selling George Pickens To the Cowboys
Within the early hours of Might 7, the Pittsburgh Steelers shocked a lot of the NFL world by agreeing to commerce star extensive receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys, creating a major gap of their receiving corps. Although the return included future draft picks, Pittsburgh now faces a crucial query: Who will assist fill the void left by their most dynamic playmaker?
Within the days following the deal, the Steelers signed veteran Robert Woods, giving them a dependable however growing older presence within the extensive receiver room. With OTAs approaching and a quarterback scenario nonetheless fluid, Pittsburgh is probably not achieved including assist. A number of skilled free-agent receivers stay unsigned — every with the potential to offer quick worth.
4 Free Agent WRs Who Might Assist Steelers After George Pickens Commerce
1) Amari Cooper
One of the vital achieved names nonetheless obtainable, Amari Cooper posted a 1,250-yard season for the Browns in 2023. Traded final October, his 547 yards and 4 touchdowns had been break up between the Cleveland Browns and the Buffalo Payments. A crisp route runner with seven 1,000-yard seasons below his belt, Cooper stays a harmful outdoors risk. Although he turns 31 this yr, his consistency and expertise in AFC North battles would deliver immediate credibility to the Steelers’ offense.
2) Keenan Allen
A six-time Professional Bowler, Keenan Allen stays one of many NFL’s premier route runners. In 2024, he tallied 70 catches for 744 yards and 7 touchdowns with the Bears. Although he’s now 33, Allen’s skill to work beneath and transfer the chains makes him a dependable goal, particularly for younger quarterbacks or methods constructed on rhythm and precision.
3) Tyler Boyd
A well-recognized face within the AFC North, Pittsburgh native Tyler Boyd is coming off a 2024 marketing campaign the place he caught 39 passes for 390 yards with the Tennessee Titans. Steelers followers know him higher for his eight seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, the place he amassed 6,000 yards and 31 touchdowns. Whereas now not a featured possibility, Boyd thrives within the slot and would supply a reliable goal over the center — a trait that matches nicely with Pittsburgh’s present offensive course. Boyd, 30, additionally brings management and will ease the transition for a younger or rotating quarterback room.
4) Gabe Davis
Gabe Davis — the youngest of the 4 at age 26 — has flashed big-play potential all through his profession, notably throughout his time with the Buffalo Payments. His finest season recreation in 2022, when he and Josh Allen related for 836 yards and 7 touchdowns. Nonetheless, final season in Jacksonville, Davis suffered a season-ending knee damage in week 11, which restricted him to 239 yards and two touchdowns. Although inconsistent, thrives in vertical passing schemes, and would complement Pittsburgh’s present group by stretching the sector — a component they’ll sorely miss with out Pickens.
Robert Woods Brings Stability, Physicality For Steelers
Lower than per week after the draft, Pittsburgh moved shortly so as to add 13-year veteran Robert Woods. The 33-year-old brings over 8,000 profession receiving yards and precious postseason expertise from stints with the Payments, Rams, Titans, and Texans.
Often known as a savvy route runner and above-average blocker, Woods provides toughness and flexibility. He particularly shines in the course of the sector, catching 15 of 20 targets for 151 yards between the hashes final season — an space Pittsburgh will possible emphasize extra in 2025 to enhance effectivity and assist the run recreation.
Pittsburgh’s extensive receiver room presently stars DK Metcalf. Past that, there are distant WR3 choices, however no clear WR2. Whether or not or not one other wily veteran is introduced in to fill that position, it’s evident that the Steelers are reshaping their receiver room — they usually have choices.
