Pittsburgh Steelers’ Offseason Moves and WR Status
Earlier this offseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense appeared more formidable than it has in years. They secured wide receiver DK Metcalf with a record-setting contract while still retaining George Pickens on the roster. However, the team opted to trade Pickens, resulting in compensation that will benefit them in future seasons, shifting the current wide receiver lineup to resemble more of what we might expect in 2024.
This article will explore statistics for the top free-agent wide receivers and envision how that might impact the Steelers should they pursue these options. The focus will be on the top three free-agent wide receivers based on their average yearly value—Amari Cooper, Keenan Allen, and Gabe Davis. Additionally, we’ll consider the current Steelers receivers and other NFL players providing context (minimum 40 targets).
When analyzing average depth of target (ADOT) and yards after catch per reception (YAC) from the 2024 regular season, we see some revealing trends. Notably, the players in focus struggled with YAC, with none surpassing the average. Returning receiver Calvin Austin had 4.3 YAC, while Metcalf and the traded Pickens registered 4.0, and Van Jefferson, now with Tennessee, was last at 3.3.
In terms of free agents, the YAC numbers were similarly disappointing: Allen recorded 3.4 YAC, Cooper had 2.7, and Davis finished with 2.2, ranking just above a few others. This emphasizes the lack of YAC as a critical factor in offensive success for both the free agents and the Steelers in 2024.
On the positive side, ADOT metrics revealed both Metcalf (14.3) and Pickens (13.9) performed above average, with Metcalf ranking 12th. This suggests a potential for big plays when combined. If the team desires that explosive element on the field, signing Davis could be an option, while Cooper’s ADOT was 13.0, slightly lower than Austin’s 12.7.
Looking at catching metrics, they provide further insights—particularly in contested catches and drop rates. Metcalf stood out with 15 contested catches, ranking 12th, and a solid drop rate of 4.3. The other candidates had varying results, with Allen and Cooper combining average contested catches and poor drop rates, indicating their inconsistency. Austin also displayed a high drop rate, underscoring the challenges faced.
The outlook for the Steelers’ receiving corps seems dim for 2025, with the potential for new faces unlikely to produce a significant improvement. If Pittsburgh were to sign one of the aforementioned free agents, my suggestion would be Davis, given his past performance and youth. This could complement the existing WR room, potentially allowing for better slot success and enhancing offensive dynamics.
