These four players might be able to help the Pittsburgh Steelers fill their wide receiver deficit.
Day 5 of Important Playmaker is here. Keep an eye on the Pittsburgh Steelers, but things don’t appear to be going well for them. The free agency market is becoming increasingly smaller as D.J. Chark inked a new contract and Tyler Boyd is fading from the picture, and the trade market doesn’t seem to be nearly as open as it once was. Therefore, the Steelers are not planning to make a deal for a top player or sign a big free agent this offseason. From here, where do they go? Having cornered yourself, your alternatives are narrow but not nonexistent.Arthur Smith’s new scheme, the team’s salary cap situation, and four players could meet Pittsburgh’s 2024 aspirations, but the front office may need to make a large trade or settle for a less exciting free agency alternative.
Alec Pierce, Indianapolis Colts – Trade Candidate:
Pierce is an aspirational target who has already amassed 1,107 yards on 73 receptions in just two seasons, good for 15.3 yards per catch. If power running and play-action passing downfield are key components of Arthur Smith’s offense, then Pierce is a perfect fit; he’s a reliable run blocker who produces explosive plays downfield as a pure outside receiver, something the Steelers desperately need.
Trade candidate for the Los Angeles Chargers is Josh Palmer
Moving on from Palmer while he is in a contract year could make sense for the Chargers, who have made it clear they are interested in freeing up cap space so new head coach Jim Harbaugh can assemble a team in his image. However, it wouldn’t be prudent for them to part with any more of Justin Herbert’s weapons than they already have.
Free Agent Russell Gage Gage is one of the few unsigned free agents available.
He has a strong career record, but it’s unclear how well he’d mesh with the Steelers. Gage had his greatest and most productive seasons with the Falcons in 2020 and 2021, when he could take most of his snaps in the slot since Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley were encircling him on the outside.
Laviska Shenault, Seattle Seahawks – Trade Candidate
Shenault had his profile gradually decline over his two years with the Carolina Panthers, and he finally signed with the Seahwaks just last month. Despite only playing in eight games and not making a start the previous season, he has starting experience and has proven to be a reliable No. 2 option for the Jaguars, who selected him in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
