Top 4 free agent slot WR targets for the Steelers
By Dawson King
Since the departure of JuJu Smith-Schuster, the Steelers have been unsuccessful in finding a replacement for an important role on offense in the slot. OC Matt Canada attempted to force Chase Claypool into the slot receiver spot last year before the team traded the former second-round pick to the Chicago Bears.
In Claypool's absence, the slot duties fell to Steven Sims and Gunnar Olszeswki, both of which did not make a notable impact, and barring a miraculous improvement in the offseason, should not be the team's first choices as the starting slot receiver in 2023.
The 2023 free agent WR class doesn't have any "X-factor" players, but it does have solid depth and affordable pieces for teams looking for that extra spark. Led by players like JuJu Smith-Schuster, Jakobi Meyers, and Allen Lazard, the Steelers must do their due diligence and take a chance on one of these free agents.
Parris Campbell gives the Steelers' offense some badly needed speed
The blazing-fast former second-round pick had his best season in 2022 when he finally managed to play in all 17 games. Campbell recorded career highs in all major stat categories reeling in 63 catches on 91 targets for 623 yards and three touchdowns, via ESPN. The former Buckeye finished the season with a 69.2% catch percentage which ranked 25th in the league, higher than any current Steelers receiver.
Campbell has not displayed the consistency Colt's fans had hoped for after being selected 59th overall in 2019. However, his 2022 season is a positive sign heading into free agency, and Campbell may benefit from a change of scenery and some more consistent QB play than he saw in Indy.
The Steelers' offense was mediocre at best last year when it came to yards gained after the catch and extending plays in the open field. Campbell has the tools to improve that aspect of the offense and could serve as a cheap boost to Matt Canada's quick passing game plan. Spotrac currently has Campbell's value listed at around 2.5 million per year next year which could be a low-risk high reward move for the Steelers in 2023.