4 Bargain free agents the Steelers need to be targeting
By Andrew Falce
WR Tavon Austin
The Steelers top four WRs are set this upcoming season, but behind them, there are a lot of question marks. Even more concerning is that as of now, the backup slot WR is Ryan Switzer, who has proven during his time here that he isn’t a capable starting WR. Thus enters Tavon Austin, a guy that could do everything Switzer does but better.
This isn’t to say Austin is some sort of elite talent, he isn’t, but he can do the same things Switzer does but at a more effective level. Need a slot WR? Austin averaged 15.1 yards per reception in Dallas. Want a returner? Austin isn’t perfect, but on tape has more pop than Switzer. Simply put, Austin is an upgraded version of Switzer.
Like Jernigan, Austin is likely looking at a veteran minimum contract for the 2020 season due to his lack of a perfect role. For that cost though, the Steelers could add a more dependable depth player who would likely produce more if he had to. He makes a lot of sense as a gadget player, slot WR, and return man, something the Steelers tried with Switzer but failed to produce with.