The Pittsburgh Steelers feel like a mostly complete team at this point. While a few odds and ends could be filled in, I wouldn’t expect any major changes to occur until the summer.
That said, it feels like their next big move is obvious.
While the receiver room has been revamped this offseason, the backend of the depth chart feels light. You have names like Kaden Wetjen and Ben Skowronek, but both feel like special teams options only as opposed to offensive weapons.
With Aaron Rodgers back in the fold, it feels like the perfect time to add Allen Lazard to the team.
The Pittsburgh Steelers make sense for Allen Lazard
The former Iowa State product has followed Rodgers around in the NFL. While his best success was found in Green Bay, the two continued their connection in New York.
While never a true top target, Lazard is best served as a big-bodied blocker who can make contested catches and move the chains. At this stage of his career, he isn’t going to hit his career best numbers, but he could serve as steady veteran depth.
Signing him wouldn’t lock him into a roster spot either. It feels like your top three names are obvious, while Wetjen will make it as a returner. The remaining two spots are up for grabs.
Skowronek feels safe as the special teams ace, which leaves one spot left. Right now, Roman Wilson is sitting comfortably there, but he failed to establish any chemistry with Rodgers last year.
Lazard would instantly battle for that final spot as the fourth target on the team. Is it a critical battle? No, more than likely, whoever wins wouldn’t dress on gameday anyway, but they are one injury away from having a prominent role.
Even if Lazard failed to make the initial roster, he could hang around on the practice squad. The Steelers have been favoring receivers with some depth there in recent years.
The main issue with Lazard at this point is that he has failed to ever contribute much on special teams. If he were going to be the second or third option at receiver, that would matter less, but as a depth guy, you would like some additional value elsewhere.
To be fair, his competition in Wilson also lacks special teams value, so the bar is at least even there.
Lazard feels like a cheap and logical depth signing to add competition to this room. With no other major need left on the roster, he feels like a savvy veteran signing for the Steelers.
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