Bringing back George Pickens seems more likely with each passing day. It might be wise for Pittsburgh to entertain trade offers, but they have no alternate path to find a replacement. On top of that, they must solve their second receiver spot. Their offense missed Diontae Johnson last year, and they must locate a long-term successor.
Don't expect a game-breaking receiver to join the Steelers in free agency. Some quality options will make it to market, but none of them are elite players at their position. If Pittsburgh wants to sign good players, they will have to be aggressive once these free agents are allowed to speak to other clubs.
The Black and Gold have a clear plan to enact when free agency begins in March.
Steelers top target: Tee Higgins, Cincinnati Bengals
If you're not placing a call to Tee Higgins when the tampering period starts, then you are a joke. Omar Khan and Mike Tomlin better do their best to lure the top receiver in free agency across rivalry lines. Higgins has been a nightmare for Pittsburgh over his five-year career. He has constantly produced terrific outings against the Steelers.
Signing Higgins adds a great compliment, but it also gives you better security if Pickens leaves next offseason. The fifth-year man out of Clemson could provide a boost in activity to the Steelers rather stale offense. He could open up things this city hasn't seen since Killer B's era. You have to call Higgins because everyone else will.
Pittsburgh's next best option: Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Higgins might be too expensive and in high demand, so let's change direction to a backup plan.
You won't find many better backup choices than Chris Godwin in free agency. This full-time Buccaneer has produced a terrific career since being a third-round selection in the 2017 NFL Draft. He remains in his prime as a receiver, but he is coming off a season-ending injury. That might have sunk his worth a little. Concerns over his recovery shouldn't exist with his level of work ethic.
Pittsburgh expressed a ton of pre-draft interest in Godwin when he was coming out of Penn State. Tomlin and company still have that level of interest in this player. If Godwin makes it to the market, then he should have a good number of teams calling. If the Steelers find out they're out of the Higgins sweepstakes, then they must turn their full attention to signing this receiver.
READ MORE: 3 Steelers free agent targets nobody is talking about
Steelers last resort impact free agent: Amari Cooper, Buffalo Bills
If Higgins and Godwin sign elsewhere, the Steelers must make one final scramble.
Each club makes a big board since free agency develops fast. Failing to land Higgins or Godwin would be disappointing. The good news is they could still sign a proven receiver in the NFL by attacking Amari Cooper. The Steelers know him well since he played two and a half seasons with the Cleveland Browns as recently as this past year.
Cooper isn't a top target on offense anymore, but he's still reliable. Don't expect star production, and Cooper would be a terrific addition. This pending free agent is over 30 years old, which would be an uncommon policy change for the Steelers. Adding this 10-year veteran would give them a solid weapon on offense who is trustworthy and can make plays on possession downs.