A dream for most Steelers fans has officially come to an end. With receiver as one of the biggest needs on the team, many were hoping that Tee Higgins would ultimately land in Pittsburgh. It seems as if the team won’t even have a chance to offer him a contract.
Reports have surfaced that Higgins will be given the franchise tag by the Bengals. This means that he will likely either secure a new deal in Cincinnati or be traded to a team outside of the AFC North.
Sources: The Bengals' plan to use the franchise tag on Tee Higgins. Here's what it means for a long-term deal, when it could happen and other details that we have on the star wide receiver⬇️https://t.co/TdLrFWc6Bn
— James Rapien (@JamesRapien) February 17, 2025
Thankfully, there are other receiver options in play for the Steelers this offseason. While using a top pick on a rookie is still squarely in play, adding a veteran seems like a must. With Higgins off the board, here are the five best options for the team.
Steelers could sign Christian Kirk
A name that almost became a Steelers receiver in the middle of the season, it appears likely that the Jaguars part ways with Christian Kirk. While his contract initially appeared to be a head-scratcher, he lived up to it initially as a safety valve for the offense.
Injuries limited him last year and his cap number balloons this season. Assuming he is cut, Pittsburgh could easily add him to their ranks. He isn’t quite a top option in the passing game, but he is a great second option with positional versatility.
Kirk does some of his best work out of the slot, but he can line up on the outside in a pinch. He runs sharp routes and has soft hands. He has never been a great YAC threat, but he is a dependable option that can keep an offense moving.
Granted, Kirk is still under contract with the Jaguars, and I can’t see the Steelers trading for him on his current deal. We need to see him cut first, but assuming that happens, he would be a prime target for the team.
Steelers could sign Darius Slayton
Another name that the Steelers showed interest in trading for this season, they could finally land Darius Slayton this offseason. A free agent, it seems like his time in New York is over and he will be looking for a new home.
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Slayton has been quite the success story. Like Kirk, he has never developed into a great top option, but he is a great compliment to an offense. Unlike Kirk, Slayton wins as a vertical threat who can press defenses on deep balls.
While I like what he brings to the table, the team isn’t in major need of another deep threat assuming George Pickens isn’t traded away. For the cost though in a bloated receiver market, you might not be able to pass on him. He would provide a viable second target to us on deep shots.
Steelers could trade for Deebo Samuel
Deebo Samual’s name unsurprisingly entered the trade block earlier this offseason as the 49ers needed to clear up cap space. Samuel is one of the more unique players in the league, and his style of play hasn’t been seen on the Steelers in quite some time.
Frankly, I don’t care about his ability as a runner. If Pittsburgh were to trade for him, they are unlikely to use him as well as the 49ers did. That said, he is still a great receiver for the short and medium throws that can make the first defender miss.
His cost shouldn’t be that high in a trade, and there are talks that the 49ers could even cut him outright. Assuming the price is right, Samuel would be a solid addition to this room and provide the team with a viable YAC threat in their core.
Steelers could sign Amari Cooper
A name I feel like isn’t getting enough attention this offseason, Amari Cooper makes a ton of sense for the Steelers. As a free agent you wouldn’t need to sed any draft picks to sign him, and given his age and lackluster year in Buffalo last year he shouldn’t be that pricy.
Cooper has been a great and dependable receiver for the longest time in the league. No matter where he has played, outside of Buffalo, he has been a top target who finds ways to produce. He doesn’t excel in anything specific, but he also doesn’t have a lot of weaknesses.
For a team that needs a dependable face in the receiver room, Cooper makes a ton of sense. While not a long-term option, he can come in and serve as a mentor and provide whoever the quarterback is a quality target to trust in big moments.
Steelers could sign Davante Adams
Another name that is technically under contract right now, Davante Adams would be quite the prize if he were to be cut. While older than most names set to be available, he is arguably the best pure receiver still at this point.
Adams wins with his impressive route running. He can trick any defender into going the wrong way, and even at his age he still finds himself wide open because of his ability as a route runner. You don’t have to question his hands either, as they are extremely dependable.
If Adams were to be cut, he would instantly become my top target at receiver this offseason. Either he serves as the number two or you could even trade Pickens and use him as your top target with a rookie behind him. With Higgins off the table though, Adams could be the best option for the team.