The Pittsburgh Steelers’ offseason has had a few surprises. They brought in a Hall of Fame cornerback Patrick Peterson to replace Cam Sutton in the short term on defense. Omar Khan stated at the NFL Scouting Combine that bringing back Sutton was a priority, but the price tag was too high. They also signed two under-the-radar free agents in Nate Herbig from the New York Jets and Cole Holcomb from the Washington Commanders to shore up the offensive line and inside linebacker positions.
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Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver, Calvin Austin III (#19) participates during training camp
The Steelers have noticeably not addressed the wide receiver or tight end positions in free agency. Zach Gentry is a free agent and aside from Calvin Austin III, the only other wide receiver under contract currently is Anthony Miller. Pittsburgh needs to add additional weapons to a young group of dynamic play-makers. Injuries happen and as good as George Pickens, Diontae Johnson, and Pat Freiermuth are going to be in a second year with Kenny Pickett, the black and gold need more firepower.
There is no need to panic and overspend as the New England Patriots did for JuJu Smith-Schuster. The wide receiver and tight end markets still have targets that fit nicely with the Steelers’ remaining cap space and the need for another tight end and wide receiver. These are the three best options for bringing in a passing game weapon from the current free agent market.
Mecole Hardman
Signing Hardman is not without risk. He has only started 26 of the 57 games he has been available for since entering the league in 2019. Hardman has missed an additional 10 games due to injury, but when he is on the field, it is electric. The former Kansas City Chiefs wideout had his best season in 2021 with 59 catches and averages 13.8 yards per catch for his career.
Hardman is a strong option in the slot and may be headed for a short-term prove-it deal. He has the highest upside of all the remaining potential free agents the Steelers could acquire and the Kansas City Chiefs have not demonstrated strong interest. After a third day of free agency availability, the Steelers should pounce.
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NFL: Preseason-Kansas City Chiefs at Pittsburgh Steelers
Foster Moreau
In January, I touted Moreau as an ideal fit with Pat Freiermuth. He still is a solid compliment and is available. Moreau is only 25 years old with a lot of experience in the NFL. He was a fourth-round pick of the Las Vegas Raiders and is entering his second contract. Moreau has served as the second tight end with the Raiders in tandem with Darren Waller and when called upon has proven he can be a reliable weapon in the passing game. The former LSU Tiger is a good blocker and could remove any temptation from addressing the position through the draft.
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Healthy for the first time last year Campbell managed to have a breakout season in 2022.
Parris Campbell
Campbell was named by Steeler Nation’s Leeann Lowman as a free agent signing to watch and he is still available. Campbell, like Hardman, has struggled with injuries, but he did start 16 games last season for the Indianapolis Colts. Campbell is more comfortable in the slot and while not as fast as his Kansas City counterpart, he can move. Campbell is a bigger target than Austin and Hardman and caught 60 passes a year ago.
Top Free Agents Still Available For Steelers In 2023 Offseason
The Steelers will take a wide receiver at some point in the 2023 NFL Draft because that is what they do. Kevin Colbert is gone, but until proven differently, the Steelers will find a receiver in rounds two through four and whoever it is, he will be good. They need a viable veteran receiver and the Steelers like young free agents. Campbell and Hardman will both be 26 so they fit the mold and the price tag.
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Steelers Pat Freiermuth And Zach Gentry having fun together.
Moreau also fits the age of an ideal Steelers free agent and signing him would not preclude them from bringing fan-favorite Gentry back. A tight end group of Freiermuth, Moreau, and Gentry would be imposing with Connor Heyward at h-back.
The Steelers will bring in a weapon or they could re-sign Miles Boykin or Steven Sims from last season. The idea of becoming more dynamic in the receiver room with one of the two free agent speedsters could appeal to Andy Weidl and Khan.
What do you think, Steeler Nation? Should the Steelers bring in a speedy free-agent receiver or bring back Boykin and/or Sims. Please comment below or on my Twitter @thebubbasq.
