The Pittsburgh Steelers are still in need of another wide receiver to team up with George Pickens in 2024 after the trade of Diontae Johnson. With Johnson's departure, the Steelers are left with a receiving room that has just one play-maker that the Steelers are comfortable with getting the majority of targets. Who may fill the role as wide receiver two in the black and gold next season? Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette suggested three veteran free agents that could fill those shoes.
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Steelers' NFL free agency 2024: Here's what's delaying a possible deal between Tyler Boyd and the Steelers - CBSSports.com
While on Pittsburgh's 93.7 The Fan, Fittipaldo gave the fan base three veteran wideouts that could be very productive in the Steelers' new offense. After some spicy reports of the Steelers attempting to trade for some of the bigger wide receiver names on the trade block, nothing came to part at this point. The Steelers still only have one receiver on their roster that is a certified starter, and that would be Pickens.
"Time's ticking away. I wouldn't be against Hunter Renfrow. I wouldn't be against Tyler Boyd if the price is right. Josh Reynolds, I saw taking a visit to another team later in the week."
Former Cincinnati Bengals wideout Tyler Boyd has been a name linked to Pittsburgh all offseason. As Pittsburgh was one of the favorites for Boyd's landing spots, the Steelers and Boyd have still yet to formally meet or come to an agreement on a deal. However, considering that Boyd, who is a proven receiver, has not come to terms with any other organizations yet shows promise that he could still land with the Steelers.
Boyd is a great pick up if you're looking for a wideout for the slot, as he has been the Bengals' slot behind receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins for the past few seasons. Boyd has been targeted over 80 times in seven of his eight career seasons with Cincinnati, averaging 64 catches and 750 yards per season. Boyd would be a solid addition to a wide receiver room that consists of Pickens, young and still proving Calvin Austin III, Miles Boykin, and recently signed Van Jefferson.
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Steelers may look at receiver as Raiders release Hunter Renfrow, Jimmy Garoppolo as 2024 league year commences - CBSSports.com
Another sneaky slot receiver on the market is former Las Vegas Raiders' Hunter Renfrow, who hasn't been used to his abilities as of recently. In the 2021 season, Renfrow caught for over 100 receptions and over 1,000 yards along with nine touchdowns. Since then, Renfrow has only caught 61 passes and received two touchdowns in two seasons since his breakout year. With Las Vegas not looking to resign Renfrow, the wide out will surely look to find another team that will utilize him. With a somewhat weak receiving core currently in Pittsburgh, Renfrow could easily get back to those stand out numbers he had in 2021.
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Steelers may look at Josh Reynolds in free agency this year.
Josh Reynolds' time with the Detroit Lions seems to have come to an end, although he tied his career high of five touchdown catches in 2023. Reynolds is coming off of arguably his best career season with the Lions, catching 40 passes for over 600 yards. In 2020 he caught for over 600 yards and 52 receptions, but didn't come close to the touchdown production he had this previous year.
The Steelers aren't the only team in need of another wide out. In fact, they aren't even the only team in the AFC North looking to add one. Steelers' rival Baltimore Ravens are set to meet with Reynolds during the week, which is concerning. If Baltimore and Reynolds don't reach an agreement, we could be seeing Reynolds take a trip to Pittsburgh to explore.
Steelers Could Look At Receivers Early In Draft
The 2024 NFL Draft class is loaded with talent in the wide receiver group, which has been a big emphasis as we draw closer to April. While the Steelers have concerns at other position groups like center, offensive tackle, and cornerback, there is still a strong chance they take a wide out within the first few rounds. The Steelers are known for drafting well, especially at the wide receiver spot. Drafting would save the Steelers capital and just seems like the route they plan to take.
What do you think SteelerNation? Which of these free agents would boost the new Steelers offense? Should they abort free agency and look to draft?
