3 remaining deep-threats Steelers could kick the tires on in free agency
By Tommy Jaggi
The Pittsburgh Steelers could use some deep speed at the wide receiver position, and these remaining free agents fit the bill.
Last year, Pittsburgh’s offense was lacking explosion and big plays as much as any team in the league. This was partially due to Ben Roethlisberger’s ailing arm and the fact that the offensive line couldn’t hold up for more than a few seconds. However, there’s no reason to expect that to improve in 2022.
Despite a new quarterback at the helm, the Steelers lack explosiveness on paper and losing JuJu Smith-Schuster, James Washington, and Ray-Ray McCloud all in the same offseason won’t help. Pittsburgh has a real need for speed at wide receiver and their depth is really lacking in this department. Here are three speedy free agent WR options they could kick the tires on prior to the NFL Draft:
Steelers could pursue Will Fuller
Will Fuller doesn’t have the most spotless resume. He was suspended to begin the 2021 season, and he landed on IR after appearing in just two games last year. Injuries have always been a major issue for Fuller (which is probably why he’s still sitting in free agency), but he’s worth considering.
When he is healthy and available, Fuller has game-breaking speed. In 11 games in 2020, Fuller averaged 16.6 yards per reception and recorded 879 yards and 8 touchdowns despite missing 5 games.
Coming out of Notre Dame in 2016, Fuller ran an official 4.32 40-yard dash, and that speed shows up often on tape. If the Steelers signed Fuller, they could kick Chase Claypool inside to more of the ‘big slot’ role. This would give them their best lineup, in my opinion.