The Pittsburgh Steelers have $33.63 million in cap space left to spend this offseason. Most of that spending change will be used on the upcoming draft class and other free-agent acquisitions. Aaron Rodgers appears to be preparing to sign with the Steelers, and that contract could eat up most of their cap room. Pittsburgh has a path to create more cap space if it wants.
Different contract maneuvers could bring new life this offseason. The Steelers have expressed plenty of pre-draft interest in different receivers coming out of the draft, but that doesn't mean they will take one. There's no guarantee a receiver will fall to them. Pittsburgh might need some backup plans in place if it can't land a receiver in the draft.
Their potential failure to land a receiver in the draft could force them to sign one of the remaining free agents.
Pittsburgh Steelers could land free agent receivers in coming weeks
Steelers could target Keenan Allen
Keenan Allen remains at the top of the list of remaining receivers looking for a job. He is coming off a down year by his standards. Allen amassed respectable numbers during his lone campaign in Chicago, but it didn't mirror his previous production. Allen will be 33 when next season starts, which points to him being better off as a role player and someone who provides experience to a young receiving core.
Another boost to this possible free-agent addition would be his reliability on offense. If Rodgers signs with the Steelers, they need guys he can count on. George Pickens and D.K. Metcalf should be great, but having Allen would give him a security blanket. This veteran receiver can play in the slot and outside. His versatility would upgrade Pittsburgh's depth at the receiver spot.
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Steelers could target Tyler Lockett
Just because Russell Wilson left Pittsburgh doesn't mean his former teammate, Tyler Lockett, couldn't join the organization. Lockett became a cap casualty of the Seattle Seahawks and continues to search for his next opportunity in free agency. He is a savvy veteran you can rely on. He is also a selfless player willing to do whatever it takes to win.
If the Steelers sign Lockett, he would be joining with the understanding that his days of being an every-down starter are over. He can play in the slot and outside, but he is better off dicing up opposing defenses in the slot. The 10-year NFL veteran still has some juice left in the tank.
His experience, blended with his leadership qualities, would make him a perfect fit with the Steelers.
Steelers could target Robert Woods
There is a connection between Pittsburgh and Robert Woods. They expressed trade interest in him leading to last season, but nothing materialized. The Steelers could always follow up with the veteran free-agent receiver. If they can't land a player at the position in the draft, Woods would be a terrific fallback option. He can still play a healthy chunk of snaps and contribute on offense.
His days with the Houston Texans saw the 12-year veteran evolve from a starter to a role player. He would love to become a starter, but if he wants to win games, the Steelers might be his best option. If Rodgers signs with the club, he could demand a free-agent addition like Woods. He can play multiple spots as a receiver and still has value in the right role.