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Should the Steelers consider signing wide receiver Michael Crabtree?

By Jobe Morrison

PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 08: Michael Crabtree #15 of the Oakland Raiders catches a game tying touchdown pass in front of Lawrence Timmons #94 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 4th quarter of the game at Heinz Field on November 8, 2015 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 08: Michael Crabtree #15 of the Oakland Raiders catches a game tying touchdown pass in front of Lawrence Timmons #94 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 4th quarter of the game at Heinz Field on November 8, 2015 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images) /
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With the Steelers wide receiver corps seemingly underperforming, the Steelers lack a veteran presence. With the Cardinals releasing 11th-year pro Michael Crabtree, should the Steelers make a bid for his services?

The Steelers face a very intriguing scenario in their receiver corps. The only players who the Steelers will not let go of are Juju, Washington, & Johnson. As for Switzer, Moncrief, and Holton, all three seem to be dispensable.

While Holton was a dark horse to make the roster, his saving grace is his ability on special teams. As for Switzer & Moncrief, what is keeping them tied to this team?

For Moncrief, it is merely the financials. Cutting him now would hurt the cap for this year with his prorated signing bonuses.

There is no question that if money and immediate cap penalties were not a consideration, he would have been cut. It’s got to the point that he is not even active.

As for Ryan Switzer, he has been a contributor in the punt and kick returning duties… but that’s it — his state line through 3 games: 7 catches, 29 yards.

At this point, these two could be dispensable. A potential replacement could be freshly released, Michael Crabtree.

Is it a fantastic move? Maybe not. Does he still have something left in the tank? It is possible. If you can get him at a great price, what do you have to lose?

He won’t make a night and day difference in the receiving corps, but he could bring that veteran presence that is much needed. Who knows, maybe he could jump-start his career again?

Last season he was catching passes from the likes of Joe Flacco and rookie quarterback Lamar Jackson and reeled in 54 catches for 607 yards and 3 touchdowns. Nothing flashy, but just something consistent–something the receiving corps is lacking behind Juju Smith Schuster.

Next. Steelers stock after week 3 loss vs. the 49ers. dark

At Crabtree’s best, you have a receiver who could be a viable number two or three receiver. At his worst, could it be any more disappointing than what we have seen from Moncrief and Switzer?

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