The Pittsburgh Steelers will need more firepower on offense in 2023, and these free-agent wide receivers may be able to help Kenny Pickett in his second season.
Even with a strong finish to the 2022 season, the Pittsburgh Steelers must find a way to improve their offense next year. This may come with the potential departure of offensive coordinator, Matt Canada, or perhaps Omar Khan addresses the offensive line early in the NFL Draft. However, adding a weapon to Kenny Pickett’s arsenal is a must.
The Steelers have a few very promising pass-catching options to look forward to in George Pickens and Pat Freiermuth, but Diontae Johnson was very up and down in 2022, and they could use another receiver who offers something different than what they have.
The team is hoping that fourth-round rookie Calvin Austin will be able to help out in his second season, but the 5’7 3/4”, 170-pound receiver missed his entire rookie year with a foot injury. If Pittsburgh decides to go the free-agent route when looking for help, these four receivers could make sense to target during the 2023 free-agency period.
Steelers could sign DJ Chark
Don’t let his lack of production over the past three seasons fool you. DJ Chark still has plenty to offer. Despite a more limited role than he had to begin his career in Jacksonville, Chark still carved out a niche for the Detroit Lions this year.
His biggest problem has always been staying healthy, as the lanky wide receiver seems to be banged up with one injury after the next. Still, it’s simply hard to find receivers that run 4.34 (at 6’3”, no less). Chark would instantly give the Steelers a quality deep threat from the ‘Z’ position and would serve as an insurance policy if George Pickens were to go down next season.