After many fans worried that the Pittsburgh Steelers were having a quiet start to free agency, general manager Omar Khan delivered a major move. They have not signed any free agent receivers yet, but they made another big trade to address the position. According to ESPN reporter Adam Schefter, the Steelers have acquired Colts receiver Michael Pittman Jr for a late-round pick swap.
In the deal, Pittsburgh is also giving Pittman a three-year contract worth $59 million. That is a bold decision by Khan. Pittman is an intriguing weapon on offense, and he remains a productive player when healthy. He is the type of receiver the Steelers have been searching for to help take pressure off DK Metcalf.
Together, they should help elevate the offense with two strong threats. Pittman is only twenty eight years old and should help the offense right away in a starting role.
It's great that Khan was able to fill this immediate need, but he should not stop there. Pittsburgh could still use more receivers through free agency or the NFL Draft. Adding another veteran or two, along with a rookie, would give the group more depth and flexibility. Pittman should not be the only receiver they look to add this offseason.
The Pittsburgh Steelers must target free agent receivers after Michael Pittman Jr.'s trade
Jalen Tolbert, WR
Pittsburgh doesn't need another starting receiver as they look at free agents, but they could use some experienced depth.
Jalen Tolbert is an interesting option in free agency. He once held a meaningful role with the Dallas Cowboys but was not able to keep it. With George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb already in place, Dallas is expected to move on from Tolbert, which makes him a possible fit.
Tolbert was drafted by Dallas in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. The young playmaker was selected by Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy and played for him in Dallas until 2024. That connection should keep Tolbert on Pittsburgh’s radar. He is not expected to break out, but he is a young receiver who should come at a low cost. He also brings solid NFL experience to the table.
Christian Kirk, WR
Few receivers have been linked to the Steelers more often in recent years than Christian Kirk. He was rumored to be joining the team right before the 2024 trade deadline, but he suffered a seasoseason-ending collarbonen ending collar bone injury. He became available after that, yet Pittsburgh never completed a trade for him. The veteran is now a free agent and could be an affordable role player.
McCarthy’s offense relies heavily on receivers making plays. They will need as much help as they can get, and Kirk just burned the Steelers in the playoffs a few months ago. Khan and the front office likely still remember that performance. Kirk has plenty of experience and is comfortable in a flexible role. He should not cost much to sign in free agency.
Calvin Austin III, WR
While it remains unlikely, do not rule out a reunion between the Steelers and Calvin Austin III.
Their former fourth-round pick has entered free agency, but he is not expected to have a robust market. His free agent status led him to test the waters and could eventually return to Pittsburgh if the situation is right. He has not emerged as a top option on offense, but he is a dependable depth piece.
Austin is coming off one of his better seasons in the NFL. He is a shorter receiver, but his speed continues to keep teams interested. Unless he finds a strong free agent market, do not be surprised if he settles for a cheap one year deal. Austin is also a player Aaron Rodgers liked this past season, and he could return if the right circumstances come together.
Jalen Nailor, WR
One name who continues to stand out with ties to Pittsburgh besides Tolbert is veteran receiver Jalen Nailor. He is a former sixth round pick of the Minnesota Vikings. While he has not developed into a top offensive weapon for them, he has become a dependable target. His past two seasons have been his best as a professional. Minnesota did not use him much, which limited his production.
The Steelers hired Minnesota’s former pass game coordinator and tight ends coach Brian Angelichio as their new offensive coordinator on McCarthy’s staff. It would not surprise anyone to see Nailor follow Angelichio to Pittsburgh. The fit makes sense. Nailor would have a chance to expand his role, and he should not cost the Steelers much on a contract.