Ex-Texans receiver would be perfect Arthur Smith toy for Steelers' offense

If the Pittsburgh Steelers were looking for help at the wide receiver position, all they needed to do was exercise a little patience. With a potential Brandon Aiyuk trade still on the table, general manager Omar Khan is looking for ways to improve the roster.

Fortunately, some risk-free, low-cost options just became available. One day before the NFL roster cutdown deadline, the Denver Broncos released veteran wide receiver Tim Patrick. His potential fit with the Steelers was easy to see.

Just hours before the deadline, another notable NFL wide receiver was thrown back on the pile.

NFL Insider Aaron Wilson reported the Houston Texans have released veteran wide receiver, Noah Brown. Though this isn't a household name, Brown has strung together back-to-back impressive seasons with the Cowboys in 2022 and the Texans in 2023.

Over the past two years, the talented wide receiver combined for 76 catches 1,122 receiving yards, and five touchdowns. Last year in just 10 games with the Texans, Brown raked in 567 receiving yards while managing an eye-popping 17.2 yards per reception.

Brown, a former Ohio State product and draft pick of the Dallas Cowboys, measures in at 6'2'' and 225 pounds. He's just what the doctor ordered for the Steelers' offense.

Steelers should sign Noah Brown

Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith is still looking for his version of 'Mack Hollins' -- a player with size who can dominate as a run blocker and be used down the field. Noah Brown fits the bill perfectly. Over the years, Brown has shown to be one of the best blocking wideouts in the NFL. But he's not just a one-dimensional player.

In addition to excelling in the blocking department, Brown possesses excellent ball-tracking ability. When you combine this with his impressive frame, Brown becomes a threat down the field.

The Steelers don't currently have a player who fits the Miles Boykin role. They need a player who can line up as a boundary receiver; one who can aid the team as a blocker, but still serve as a receiving threat. Think of Brown as a souped-up version of Boykin.

While signing a veteran like Noah Brown would make nowhere near the impact as a trade for Brandon Aiyuk, Brown won't cost the Steelers any draft capital now that he has been released from the Texans. The only investment tied to Brown would be a cheap contract -- likely a one-year 'prove it' deal.

Still, this is well worth the gamble. If signing Brown means knocking a player like Scotty Miller or Dez Fitzpatrick off the roster, it's an easy decision for the front office.