Steelers' Best 4 Available Free Agent Wide Receiver Options To Replace Diontae Johnson

The Pittsburgh Steelers made significant moves on Tuesday, trading the talented, yet troubled Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers. Prior to that, they decided to release veteran wide receiver Allen Robinson. 

These decisions have left a notable gap in the Steelers' receiving corps, prompting a pressing need for new wide receivers, possibly even adding a couple to create more depth at the position. With ample talent available in free agency and the upcoming draft, the Steelers are exploring their options to address this need. 

Amidst the swift pace of the free agent market, there remains a pool of talented wide receivers yet to be signed and one that has requested a trade from the Cincinnati Bengals. As the Steelers seek to address their void at the receiver position following the trade of Johnson, they have several enticing options to consider. Here's a curated list of four standout prospects who could seamlessly fit into the Steelers' roster and bolster their passing game.

Calvin Ridley

In 2023, Ridley showcased his exceptional skills with the Jacksonville Jaguars following a suspension in 2022 due to a sports betting incident. Making a remarkable comeback, Ridley amassed an impressive 1,016 receiving yards and secured eight touchdowns, emerging as a pivotal target for the Jaguars throughout the season. 

Now, at 29 years old and having proven his prowess on the field, Ridley stands as a coveted wide receiver. With the Steelers welcoming Russell Wilson as their new quarterback, Ridley's talent and experience could seamlessly integrate into their offensive scheme. 

While acquiring Ridley may require a substantial investment, the Steelers possess the financial flexibility to pursue him vigorously. Among the available free agents, Ridley emerges as the prime candidate to enhance the Steelers' receiving corps.

Marquise Brown

Brown presents an intriguing option for the Steelers. His career has seen its share of ups and downs, with a recent season of 574 receiving yards and four touchdowns with the Arizona Cardinals in 2023. 

At just 26 years old, Brown offers both youth and affordability compared to Ridley. While he may not boast the same level of talent as Johnson, Brown's potential and versatility could still make him a valuable addition to the Steelers roster. With room for growth and a promising future ahead, Brown represents a compelling opportunity for Pittsburgh to consider.

Tee Higgins

Though super unlikely, we'd be hard pressed to leave off one of the best potentially available. Higgins had envisioned a long-term future with the Bengals, but frustrations over the team's failure to secure him on a permanent basis have reached a boiling point. Following being franchise tagged, he has expressed a clear desire to be traded. 

The prospect of bringing Higgins to Pittsburgh looms large for the Steelers. Despite not being a free agent, Higgins stands out as the premier wide receiver among the options considered. 

His discontent with his current situation presents an opportunity for Pittsburgh to potentially orchestrate a significant acquisition. With the expertise of Omar Khan in negotiations, could the Steelers pull off a coup and secure one of the league's top receivers?

Tyler Boyd

Boyd, a native of Clairton, Pennsylvania, enters consideration after a modest 667 receiving yards and two touchdowns in the 2023 season. Despite occasional trash talk directed towards the Steelers, Boyd's ties to his hometown could sway his decision towards Pittsburgh. 

As a skilled wide receiver, Boyd has often found himself in the shadows of a stacked Bengals receiving corps, limiting his opportunities. Nonetheless, his potential affordability and ability to provide depth make him an appealing option for the Steelers. While not the marquee name on the list, both Boyd and Brown could offer valuable contributions to bolster Pittsburgh's receiving unit.

Steelers’ 2024 Offseason Has Been Filled With Moves

The Steelers' 2024 offseason has been marked by a flurry of activity, captivating fans with three major developments. Khan's strategic maneuvers have been nothing short of impressive, securing the acquisitions of Patrick Queen and Wilson while orchestrating the trade involving Johnson. 

Despite these significant moves, it's important to note that the offseason is still in its early stages, with ample opportunity for further developments as the league year progresses. The excitement continues to build as Steelers faithful eagerly anticipate what's yet to come.

The Steelers have emerged as a team to closely monitor in both the upcoming draft and free agency, especially regarding their wide receiver acquisitions. With Steeler Nation eagerly awaiting their moves, all eyes will be fixed on Pittsburgh in the coming days to see how they address their needs at the wide receiver position.

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