Steelers' Top 3 Atlanta Falcons Offensive Free Agents To Target For A Reunion With Arthur Smith In Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Steelers didn't waste too much time hiring a new offensive coordinator. After an embarrassing tenure for Matt Canada that led to an in-season firing, the organization quickly moved on to former Atlanta Falcons Head Coach Arthur Smith. The soon-to-be 42-year old is likely hoping for another chance as a head coach, which means his tenure in Pittsburgh, no matter how long, will be crucial in gaining that interest. The Steelers have always been known to value relationships, so it shouldn't surprise fans if the front office takes Smith's input on free agents that played under him in Atlanta in 2023. 

Smith has had many different stints with NFL organizations, but the last three years have been with the Falcons. Atlanta has plenty of players who are expected to be unrestricted free agents in March and the Steelers' new offensive coordinator should put in requests for certain names that he thinks could excel in the Steel City. Steeler Nation should keep an eye on these specific guys.

1.) Keith Smith, Fullback

Arthur Smith has been known to utilize a fullback, or some sort of whatever that position has become. Following the departure of Derek Watt, Pittsburgh didn't have a true fullback on the roster in 2023. Smith loves to run the ball under center and Canada seemed pretty reluctant to that notion. Besides an ankle injury that landed Keith Smith on Injured Reserve with the Falcons in 2023, he has been very durable throughout his NFL career.

The idea of asking Kenny Pickett to turn into an All-Pro in his third career season is unrealistic. He has plenty to work on and relying on the run game in order to open up play-action will be the key to Pittsburgh's offensive success in 2024. Keith Smith is familiar with Arthur Smith and hammering the ball down the throat of opposing defenses could be a recipe for success. 

2.) Van Jefferson, Wide Receiver

The Steelers wide receivers room isn't exactly figured out. Diontae Johnson and George Pickens are the clear options in the passing game, but not much else transpired in 2023. Allen Robinson II is almost a lock to be a cap casualty and Calvin Austin III was rarely used in his first healthy season. That could leave room for a guy like Van Jefferson.

Jefferson's stats aren't going to jump out at anyone, but a solid 50-catch, 802-yard season in 2021 to go along with six touchdowns is certainly intriguing. He also adds to the locker room with postseason experience, having won a Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Rams. He's not the only future pass-catching free agent from Atlanta that could make sense for Pittsburgh, however.

3.) Mack Hollins, Wide Receiver

The same argument for Jefferson can be related to Mack Hollins. The veteran is a bit older than his Falcons teammate, but has the blocking ability to allow Pittsburgh to run the ball outside with Arthur Smith calling the plays.

Hollins' best season came in 2022 with the Las Vegas Raiders when he had 690 yards receiving and four touchdowns. He only had 18 catches with the Falcons in 2023, but would certainly be a cheap, inexpensive free agent addition to help on the field when it comes to blocking in the run game, as well as bringing a veteran presence to the locker room.

Steelers Fans Should Expect Falcons' Free Agent To Be Signed

Pittsburgh has always been about relationships. Arthur Smith will have the opportunity to recommend certain players once free agency officially kicks off in March and no one should be surprised if one of his former players is brought in. The Steelers are set at tight end, a position the former head coach in Smith enjoys utilizing, but a fullback or familiar wide receiver coming to the Steel City is certainly possible.

Do you think that Tomlin and co. will listen to their new offensive coordinator when it comes to offseason additions? Let us know in the comments below!

#SteelerNation