One way or another, the Pittsburgh Steelers must find different ways to upgrade their offense this offseason. You can blame Arthur Smith all you want for his misdeeds during his first season as offensive coordinator, but it wasn't all on him. Smith had an inconsistent group of skill players to work with and deserved flack, but there were clear limitations with his personnel.
The Steelers must realize their mistakes from last offseason and shift to making amends. Smith needs a run-first team with a mobile quarterback. No matter who is slinging the football, general manager Omar Khan will have to build a quality supporting cast. Free agency has plenty of receivers who could help their starting quarterback.
Many names have been rumored to join the Steelers either as free agents or trade targets since the end of the season. One way or another, Khan must locate an upgrade or two at the receiver position. One name not getting much hype but should be in consideration is Stefon Diggs.
A veteran receiver looking to reestablish himself in the NFL could be the perfect gamble.
Free agent WR Stefon Diggs is the missing piece to elevate the Pittsburgh Steelers' offense
Signing Stefon Diggs could bring along some challenges for Mike Tomlin to sort out. The star receiver has a known diva mentality, but the Steelers head coach has routinely dealt with it throughout his career. They traded away Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers after failing to mesh with the team, and Pittsburgh continues to experience its share of issues with George Pickens.
Pittsburgh could be comfortable with a high-maintenance wide receiver for high-level production, and Diggs fits the bill.
If you are willing to accept a locker room distraction or two, Diggs would be a perfect addition during free agency. Every receiver in the NFL is selfish at some point in their career. Some are more vocal about it than others. Diggs was traded from Buffalo to Houston last year because he wanted a fresh start. After a season-ending injury in 2024, he must reestablish his good standing.
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One of the best attributes about signing Diggs would be his wealth of knowledge and experience. He is only 31, so he should have highly productive years left. Additionally, the Steelers would have a solid answer if Pickens got injured.
There should be some concern over Diggs's recovery from his injury, but that will only shrink his contract value. Spotrac.com projects Diggs could sign a contract worth $13.5 million in annual average earnings.
Diggs, a former Pro Bowl receiver, has kept his production numbers consistent throughout his career. He was on track to go over 1,000 receiving yards last campaign before his injury hit. Diggs can infuse a new dynamic to Pittsburgh's stale offense in 2025.