Steelers Sign Speedy WR With Massive Size To Futures Contract

The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed a new free agent wide receiver to a futures contract ahead of free agency. The team desperately needs quality depth at the position after some disappointing performances from their playmakers at the position in the 2025 season. During this past campaign, star receiver DK Metcalf had little help around him, with underwhelming seasons coming from the receivers in the room. The Steelers are looking for depth at the spot as the 2026 journey draws near, especially with free agents at the position like Calvin Austin III and Scotty Miller. Another departure at the position includes the retirement of a 12-year veteran receiver, Adam Thielen. 

The futures contract was given to the former New Orleans Saints' sixth-round pick in 2023, A.T. Perry. Perry is listed as 6'5" and weighs 205 lbs. His size would prove vital to any quarterback that the Steelers throw in for the 2026 season. Along with his huge frame, Perry ran a 4.47 40-yard dash at the 2023 NFL Combine. This combination of size and speed makes the perfect weapon for a Steelers offense that struggled at getting their receivers involved last season. The Steelers' receptions leader was running back Kenneth Gainwell (73). 

While that's a great individual stat for Gainwell, the Steelers need to find better production from their receivers. Perry had a very productive preseason with the Saints in 2023, where coaches were very impressed with his performances. In Week 1 of the 2023 preseason, Perry logged six receptions for 70 yards and a score. He earned praise from former quarterback Derek Carr. 

"I was paying attention to him, and I think very highly of him," Carr noted. "I think that he's going to be a really good player. I think he's young, he's raw, but I'm excited for what he can potentially do for sure."

This is high praise from a former Pro Bowl quarterback. The Steelers desperately need a developmental receiver who can learn under new head coach Mike McCarthy.  Perry has yet to have a true breakout season. In his career, he has appeared in 10 games and has collected 12 catches for 246 yards and four touchdowns. However, this can be a fun project for Steelers coaches to work with. 

In college, Perry was named to two All-ACC teams. He was first in the ACC in receiving yards (1,096) in 2022, and second in receptions (81) in the same year. He was also third in receiving touchdowns in the NCAA in 2021 (15). This type of talent being available on a futures contract should be eye-opening for Steelers fans and the Steelers' coaching staff. 

How Else Can The Steelers Get Quality Receivers Cheaply?

This deal could be telling on how the Steelers could find more receivers to develop without a huge investment. The Steelers have been known for finding hidden gem receivers in the later rounds of drafts. For example, Antonio Brown or impact guys from previous years from the third round, like Diontae Johnson and James Washington. The Steelers should utilize their mid-to-late round draft capital on some project receivers, as they have proven to do well at finding hidden gems. 

The Steelers' receivers of last year were underwhelming, including Metcalf who was suspended for two games. That suspension was telling of how weak the Steelers' receiver room was, as the group underperformed immensely with the absence of Metcalf. The Steelers' receivers put up measly numbers and gave quarterback Aaron Rodgers little separation. 

The Steelers need to invest in the wide receiver group that let them down last year, and give whoever ends up playing quarterback for the team an opportunity to let things loose.

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