Ranking the available free agent wide receiver fits for Steelers in 2023
By Tommy Jaggi
1. Sterling Shepard is perfect Diontae Johnson insurance
After playing only a combined 10 games in the past two seasons, it's getting really hard to trust a Sterling Shepard to stay healthy. The former second-round pick all the way back in 2016 has played 16 games in a season just twice in his NFL career so far, and injuries have been a major concern.
When he does play, Shepard has a quality niche thanks to his ability to create space and run excellent routes. For this reason, the veteran wide receiver would give the Pittsburgh Steelers an excellent insurance policy for Diontae Johnson.
We all witnessed the struggles Johnson showcased last season, as he was statistically one of the least efficent starting receivers in the NFL. On the other hand, Shepard was much more effient prior to his injuries the past two seasons.
Shepard has had quality production throughout his career. The veteran receiver just turned 30 years old and is coming off a season-ending knee injury that he suffered early in the year. However, the Steelers could land a quality player in free agency who could potentially steal some looks from an inefficient Diontae Johnson.
Steelers players whose jobs are safer than you may think. dark. Next
The Pittsburgh Steelers might be confident in what receivers like Calvin Austin and Anthony Miller could offer them in 2023, but these veteran receivers should be on their radar as nothing is more important than making sure Kenny Pickett succeeds.