Mike Williams was rumored to have a visit with the Steelers this week, but on March 19th, he inked a one-year deal with the Jets. Williams was recently released by the Chargers and was considered the best remaining option in free agency, but he didn't last long on the market.
We also know that Tyler Boyd has been rumored to have an interest in signing with Pittsburgh. It seems like he also holds interest from the Panthers. The Steelers seem prepared to wait things out and see if they can sign Boyd to a potential discounted rate on their next contracts.
Pittsburgh doesn't want to spend too much, and that could have them targeting other receivers in free agency. Here are three free-agent receivers not named Tyler Boyd the Steelers could pursue.
The Steelers could target a smaller name at receiver on the open market
It is hard to call Josh Reynolds a 'smaller name' on the free agency market when it comes to the receivers still available. He is a big receiver who has created a quality career in the NFL. The former fourth-round pick out of Texas A&M is someone who has prior connections to the Steelers. We know that Pittsburgh held a pre-draft visit with Reynolds when he was coming out of the draft.
He started his career with the Rams before going to the Titans and eventually landing with the Detroit Lions. He would not be as impactful of a signing as Boyd or Williams, but he is a big target on offense that can put up decent numbers. You know what you get with Reynolds, a borderline starter who will put up around 500 receiving yards and roughly two to five touchdowns per season.
Free Agency could bring Pittsburgh a former break out star
It has been a while since DJ Chark has been seen as a quality receiver in the NFL. He started his career with the Jaguars after being selected in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft. The first three years of his career in the NFL were strong. He produced great numbers before he missed significant time in his fourth year.
Since then, Chark has not been able to return to that 1,000-yard season that he produced in 2019. With that being said, the Steelers could always turn to him as a reliable backup plan if they can't get either Boyd or Williams. Chark is a proven starter in this league and someone who could benefit from leaving the Carolina Panthers. His free agency market shouldn't be strong, so they could sign him for cheap.
Steelers could remain aggressive and sign a big name
Let's end this one with a bang as the Steelers could always sign Odell Beckham Jr. to the roster. He is parting ways with the Baltimore Ravens just after one season with the club. We know the black and gold have not shied away from signing free agents from rival teams this offseason. Maybe they will double-dip into the Ravens talent pool by signing Beckham after adding Patrick Queen earlier.
We know that this receiver option is not the same X-factor that he once was earlier in his career. His name is bigger than the game he will provide you. He has regressed, but with a knee injury in recent years, that is expected. Beckham still finds ways of getting open and has a lot of starting experience. He could be a great option if the Steelers decline to sign either Williams or Boyd in free agency.