Steelers free agent pass-catching options
Let’s start with the softball again. While there are a few intriguing tight end options entering free agency, the Steelers don’t need to sign anyone to more than a minimum deal. The tight-end market is normally an inflated one, but if an option like Drew Sample, Charlie Woerner, or Tyler Kroft were willing to sign for the minimum to compete for a spot, I’m all for it.
Receiver is a different story. While the Steelers traditionally draft their receivers and have them work their way into the offense, a capable veteran slot receiver makes a lot of sense. That gives the team another veteran presence and allows them to focus their early draft capital on other needs.
My favorite slot option has to be Tyler Boyd. A local product out of Pitt, he has become a cornerstone of the Bengals offense. Even when his role was reduced due to the emergence of Tee Higgins and Ja’Mar Chase, he was still steadily eddy as a target. Given his age and slot-specific nature, his contract won’t likely break the bank either.
Another name that should be linked to the Steelers is Cedrick Wilson. Son of the former Steelers receiver, he had a hot start to his career as a slot receiver in Dallas before struggling with the Dolphins. He would be a cheaper option but still have experience.
You can also add any number of lower-level free agents in the slot like Jamison Crowder, Isaiah McKenzie, or Richie James. These guys wouldn’t be anything more than depth options though, and I would still consider a slot receiver a need.
In terms of outside receivers, I wouldn’t actively seek one out assuming Boykin returns. He is a great fit as a depth receiver given his special teams ability, and if the team wants to fill out that depth chart later on, a late draft pick should do the trick.