6 receivers the Steelers must sign to replace Diontae Johnson

Steelers could sign DJ Chark

The Steelers could replace one DJ with another in the form of DJ Chark. Again, Smith’s offense relies on one great receiver, and you have that in Pickens already. What you need are some good complimentary pieces, and Chark could provide you with just that.

Chark looked like a star early in his career in Jacksonville, but injuries limited him to some mediocre campaigns over the past few seasons. When healthy, he was a potent deep threat with big play ability. That was on display last year. Despite a less-than-ideal passing offense in Carolina, Chark was able to produce and looked like his former self.

In Pittsburgh, he would slide into the Z role and allow Pickens to take over the X spot for the offense. While he won’t be an elite weapon, he can provide the team with a capable second target and a deep threat. He wouldn’t need to be a 1000-yard receiver again, as what he does, he does well and can provide that kind of an impact with the Steelers.

He has great size, good athleticism, draft pedigree, and former draft interest from the Steelers. Signing him also means you don’t have to address a receiver extremely early in the draft. He would provide the team with another big-bodied deep threat, and I think his fit as a role player and clear number-two option would be perfect for this offense.