There are easy steps in front of the Steelers that will open enough cap space for the club to entertain impact-free agents. They currently have 40 million in cap space, but they could easily open over 20 million more with just a few cap casualties. If they choose to, they can be aggressive in free agency and finally solve their consistent problem at wide receiver.
With constant trade rumors out there, it is feasible that Pittsburgh could add someone in a deal. With limited options in free agency, they might turn to that route if they can't sign a top name. Few quality receivers will be free agents, but the Steelers could still find some upgrades if they hit the ground running.
Failure to sign any top-tier free agents and go with lesser talent will be another failure by Omar Khan and Mike Tomlin.
Mack Hollins, Buffalo Bills
Arthur Smith affected who the Steelers brought into the building last offseason. He could continue that trend as he tries to right the offensive failures once and for all. If the former Falcons head coach wants to provide former players to his current club, then Mack Hollins makes sense. He would have been a better option than Van Jefferson was this past campaign.
Hollins saw a spike in production because of Josh Allen. During his time in Buffalo, Hollins quickly grew into a starting role. He was a big reason why they progressed deep into the postseason. If Hollins is available for cheap, then it's not a bad signing. Everyone knows the Steelers want a receiver, and Hollins would be nothing better than a quality depth piece.
Marquis "Hollywood" Brown, Kansas City Chiefs
Everyone thought Marquis Brown would return to relevancy when he signed with the Chiefs this past offseason. He inked a one-year deal to prove to the NFL that he is worth a big contract. That bet on himself has tumbled into mediocrity. Sadly, Brown suffered an injury this past preseason that knocked him out until the final two weeks of the regular season.
He hasn't done anything special in the NFL since being a first-round pick. He is on his third team, and it appears he will be on his fourth shortly. Pittsburgh makes sense as a natural landing spot since the deep threat would fit with Justin Fields or Russell Wilson as the quarterback. Brown has some pedigree, but his inconsistencies would make this addition a dud.
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Brandon Cooks, Dallas Cowboys
Another cheap option in free agency is Brandon Cooks. He will be heading into his 12th season in the NFL next year. That is a lucrative career in the professional ranks, but Cooks could struggle as he ages. Speed is something that has always made him intriguing to teams. He could run past most players in the NFL during his prime. Age could be stripping that away.
Cooks has starting experience, but the Steelers should focus on signing someone else.
While the veteran receiver would be a terrific fourth choice on a depth chart, he shouldn't be your second receiver on a quality offense. Cooks still has speed, but he's slowing down. A player like him cannot afford to lose much speed to remain effective. He would be a cheap starter, but the Steelers need to invest in a quality upgrade at the position.