Free agency is almost here, and the Pittsburgh Steelers should have a set game plan as to how to improve this roster. No, they won’t be the biggest spenders this year, but there should be at least a few notable names that join the ranks.
In particular, fans want to see a receiver join the squad, and for good reason. As of this writing, receiver is the weakest position on this team, and the expectation is for multiple new faces to be added to that room.
While the speculation is focused on some of the biggest names in free agency, those options will also break the bank. Instead, the Steelers should go with a logical budget option in Christian Kirk.
The Pittsburgh Steelers would be wise to sign Christian Kirk
While Kirk lacks the sparkle of some of the more notable names in this free agency class, he feels like the more realistic fit. A former second-round pick, he has been a steady threat no matter what team he is playing on.
While his peak with the Jaguars is likely in the past, there is still a good football player in Kirk. He runs savvy routes and knows how to get open, something this receiver room has lacked in recent years.
His 2024 season was marred by injuries, while he was buried on the Texans' depth chart last year. His value is at an all-time low.
He can play all over the field, from inside in the slot to either outside spots. His best role now is likely in the slot as a third target for a team.
For the Steelers, that is realistic. It seems like a certainty that the team will add at least one rookie receiver early in the draft, so pairing that investment with DK Metcalf and Kirk would create a strong trio of starting receivers.
Pittsburgh has also been interested in Kirk in the past. The Steelers were supposedly heavily interested in acquiring him in 2024 at the trade deadline before the injury wiped out his season. The team has a great opportunity to land him now.
Kirk is the definition of low-cost, low-risk. He isn’t going to put up eye-popping numbers, but as a safety net and budget free agent option, you could do a lot worse. Given the cost and the fit, Kirk feels like a logical name to target during free agency next week.