On Wednesday night, the Pittsburgh Steelers made a huge trade, giving away WR Dionte Johnson in exchange for CB Donte Jackson and a pick swap. This gives the Steelers a second starting corner but takes way their wide receiver two spot. Here is who could replace him.
Pittsburgh Steelers Free Agency
The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a massive free agency adding huge pieces to positions with big needs, but after losing Johnson they have created another massive hole in the offense. The Steelers could fill this hole with a free agent, but need to do it quickly as wide receivers are being signed very quickly.
Tyler Boyd
Tyler Boyd feels like the frontrunner addition if the Steelers decide to add a WR in free agency. Boyd is from Pittsburgh and would add a nice veteran presence in a young receiver room for the Steelers. Boyd shouldn’t require too much money and should be a nice new target for Rusell Wilson.
Hunter Renfrow
I am a massive Hunter Renfrow fan and he was put in a terrible situation with the Raiders. Renfrow is one of the best route runners in the league and should be a cheap option for Pittsburgh. The Steelers should bring in Renfrow to recreate that Metcalf, locket combination for Russ.
The Draft
The Steelers hold the 20th overall pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft. While Pittsburgh could add a new wide receiver at pick 20, it doesn’t feel like a Steeler move. With needs at the offensive line, Pittsburgh will probably look to take a tackle or center in the first round.
This year’s WR class is one of the best ever with great talent though the entire draft. The Steelers could add a receiver in the second round at pick 52. Pittsburgh’s recent history says the Steelers are amazing at draft WR in the second round. In 2017 Pittsburgh drafted Juju Smith-Schuster, who was an incredible WR two for them, in 2020 they drafted Chase Claypool in the second round, and most recently George Pickens in 2022. This would fit the Steelers mold draft a receiver in the second round every two to three years.
Ricky Pearsall
The Florida Gators receiver has a had a good offseason boosting his draft stock. Pearsall had some of the craziest catches in college and had a good senior bowl along with a solid combine. He had almost 1,000 yards in 2023 for the Gators and seems like he could be a shift route runner for the Steelers offense.
Ja’lynn Polk
Polk was in an incredible offense at Washington in 2023. Polk served as the WR 2/3 for the Huskies but was very productive without getting the Spotlight. Over 1100 yards and nine touchdowns, Polk projects to be a second-round pick, and could do exactly what he did for the Huskies in Pittsburgh.
Roman Wilson
After the Nation Championship game Wilson was projected to be a fourth-round pick, but after an incredible senior bowl he has shot up draft boards. Wilson was the number one target in Michigan’s run heavy offense, with 800 yards and 12 touchdowns. Once again Wilson could compliment Pickens and recreate that Metcalf, locket connection for Russel Wilson.
There are also tons of other options in the second round, along with in free agency. Pittsburgh could even wait until the third round to draft a receiver, or even in the fourth. No matter what the Steelers need to add a receiver as I don’t believe Calvin Austin can serve as the WR two in the Pittsburgh offense.
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