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3 potential free agent wide receiver targets for the Steelers

By Mike Vannucci

ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 01: Dez Bryant #88 of the Dallas Cowboys gestures toward the fans before the game against the Los Angeles Rams at AT&T Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 01: Dez Bryant #88 of the Dallas Cowboys gestures toward the fans before the game against the Los Angeles Rams at AT&T Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – NOVEMBER 25: Wide Receiver Michael Crabtree #15 of the Baltimore Ravens is tackled after a catch by cornerback Rashaan Melvin #22 of the Oakland Raiders in the third quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – NOVEMBER 25: Wide Receiver Michael Crabtree #15 of the Baltimore Ravens is tackled after a catch by cornerback Rashaan Melvin #22 of the Oakland Raiders in the third quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

Michael Crabtree

Michael Crabtree was signed by the Cardinals earlier this season but never was able to earn substantial playing time. Christian Kirk and Larry Fitzgerald were locked in as the top two receivers in Arizona. Still, Crabtree couldn’t beat out the 6th round draft pick KeeSean Johnson or offseason acquisition, Damiere Byrd.

Despite getting cut in Arizona after a few weeks, Crabtree has been a proven red zone threat throughout his career and is skilled enough where he could have been the best receiver on the field for the Steelers on Thursday night after the injuries (perhaps behind Washington).

At 32-years old, it is possible that Crabtree may not bring the same vertical threat that he had in the past (although it was never the focal point of his game). However, he is still a savvy route runner, with a knack for finding the end zone (from 2015-2018 he had 28 receiving touchdowns).

Last year, in a run-first offense, Crabtree still played at a high-level. Despite being a run-first offense (with a rookie Lamar Jackson at quarterback), Crabtree still made his presence felt. Here he is in the wild card round beating the Chargers’ number one corner back, Casey Heyward on a vertical route (less than a year ago). He went on to score two touchdowns in this game.

Beyond what Crabtree brings with his skillset, this is a young and inexperienced receiver group. Adding a veteran who has had the success that Crabtree has had throughout his career could help this group grow. Not only could he play a role should Smith-Schuster and Johnson miss time, but he can also add depth moving forward.

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