With the free agency tampering period starting officially on March 9, many will pay close attention to the NFL then. There could still be additions and subtractions across the league beforehand, and the Pittsburgh Steelers need to stay alert. The Miami Dolphins just cut three notable players as cap casualties, and some could be options for Pittsburgh to scoop up at any moment.
Miami released Tyreek Hill, Bradley Chubb, and the lesser-known player Nick Westbrook-Ikhine. He became a depth receiver with the Dolphins this season, after producing strong numbers during the 2024 campaign. He might not be as flashy a name as Hill, but he is someone the Steelers could use on their roster. The greater the number of quality receivers on their depth chart, the better.
Most of Steelers Nation is urging the team to finally get serious and invest heavily in offensive weapons, especially at the wide receiver position.
They have DK Metcalf returning, but they have little behind him. They must either spend on free agents or take several prospects high in the upcoming NFL Draft if they want to witness change. Those calling for investment should see their wishes granted this offseason.
Pittsburgh Steelers would be wise to sign free agent WR Nick Westbrook-Ikhine
Going after a big fish in free agency might be more appealing to Steelers fans, but it might not be realistic.
They will have plenty of cap space to work with, but the top receivers like George Pickens and Alec Pierce might not make it to the open market. Hill is coming off a massive season-ending injury, and he isn't getting any younger. He would also require a significant financial commitment in a potential contract.
Selecting a receiver towards the top of the draft might be the best course of action, and targeting reliable free agents to fill out the remainder of the depth chart might be the smart way to go. If that is the plan they enact, they could be looking at Westbrook-Ikhine to help play a depth role on the roster. He has shown he can play in different spots at the position and can do whatever is asked of him.
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The free-agent receiver is a former undrafted free agent out of Indiana who has developed into a reliable NFL contributor. He experienced a setback last season with the Dolphins, but he previously performed well with the Tennessee Titans. The tall receiver has shown an ability to make plays, particularly in the red zone. During his five years in Tennessee, he totaled 19 touchdowns.
His best season came in 2024 with the Titans, where he caught a whopping nine touchdowns in only nine starts. Westbrook-Ikhine might not be a blockbuster free agent signing by the Steelers, but he is a proven commodity around the NFL who can help boost the depth at the position. With him in the fold, along with some talented rookies at the top of the roster, Pittsburgh's offense will improve.