Steelers Still Have Low-Risk, High-Reward Wide Receiver Free Agent Options Available

The Pittsburgh Steelers will report to Latrobe for training camp without a clear answer regarding the wide receiver position, barring a shocking trade prior to Wednesday's arrival date. The situation has taken up a lot of the offseason media talk and making a move for someone like Brandon Aiyuk remains on the table, but nothing is certain. George Pickens will look to prove that he is a top pass-catcher in the NFL, however, it might be difficult to do so if he is getting double-teamed consistently by opposing defenses. Someone will truly have to step up, unless a move is made externally.

There could be options out there for Omar Khan that don't include giving away draft capital or signing someone to a massive contract extension. There are formidable veterans available in free agency and while the fan base is probably sick of borderline wide receiver three and/or fours, some that remain unsigned have a certain boom-or-bust potential surrounding them.

1.) Russell Gage Jr.

Pittsburgh hasn't been connected to Russell Gage Jr. very much throughout the 2024 offseason. The 28-year-old is coming off of a torn ACL in August of 2023 that kept him out for the entire year. While he was under contract through 2024, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers made the decision to release the wideout right around when the new league year started in March.

Gage will come at a low price and has had some success in his career. He hasn't ever blossomed into a top-tier starter, but had 66 catches for 770 yards and four touchdowns for the Atlanta Falcons with Arthur Smith as his head coach back in 2021. It's a bit risky due to his ACL tear, but he was coming off a 2022 season in which he played in all 17 games for the Buccaneers.

2.) Hunter Renfrow

Pittsburgh has been connected to Hunter Renfrow more than once since his release from the Las Vegas Raiders. After a career season in 2021 that saw him haul in 103 catches for 1,038 yards and eight touchdowns, the pass-catcher took big steps back in 2022 and 2023. He is capable of playing at a high level, but never could replicate his outstanding 2021 form.

Part of his downfall came at the hands of Davante Adams, who was acquired by Las Vegas in the 2022 offseason. He is on the right side of 30 at 28 years old, would bring in leadership to the locker room, and still could potentially make a difference on the field for the Steelers. The former Pro Bowl receiver should be on Khan's radar if a trade never materializes.

3.) Michael Thomas

Once considered the most dominant wide receiver in the NFL, Michael Thomas has had his career derailed by injuries since 2020. It has been unfortunate for the average NFL fan to watch, but maybe he has one more strong season left in him. He is still a free agent and would be an intriguing addition to the positional room at what would likely be for the veteran minimum.

It would be an unfair expectation for anyone to hope Thomas could return to his 149-catch, 1,725-yard form from back in 2019, but if he can stay healthy, the talent could still be there for the 31-year-old. At the very least, low snap counts and using his size in the red zone could be a difference-maker for the Steelers if the signing were to happen.

Steelers Might Be Expecting A Lot From Rookie Roman Wilson

Pittsburgh drafted Roman Wilson in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. His size might lead one to believe that he will operate in the slot in the NFL, but it will be interesting to see if the Steelers have different plans for him. If no external move is made, the organization will need someone to step up in a big way, and that individual could very well be Wilson.

Do you want the Steelers to add a veteran wide receiver in free agency? Let us know in the comments below!

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