The Pittsburgh Steelers have been one of the more surprising teams in the NFL this season, with Mike Tomlin’s team 10-3 and leading the AFC North after 14 games. The Steelers will face the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Week 15. This season, the Steelers offense has been solid and productive under first-year offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, with Russell Wilson providing dependable quarterback play. Though the unit has grown in 2024, the large receiver room still leaves a lot to be wanted.
George Pickens has established himself as one of football’s most exciting young playmakers, but the 2022 second-round pick is slated to miss his second consecutive game on Sunday against the Eagles, having missed the team’s Week 14 game against the Cleveland Browns due to a hamstring issue. According to Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Pickens may not return until the regular season finale.
“I’m not too optimistic about the Eagles, Ravens, or Chiefs, but I do think there’s a chance for that finale against the Bengals,” Fittipaldo said of Pickens’ situation on 93.7 The Fan. With Pickens out, the Steelers will rely on Calvin Austin III, Mike Williams, and Van Jefferson to handle the passing offense. Though Austin has shown promise, and Williams and Jefferson are capable seasoned playmakers, Pittsburgh lacks a true No.1 receiver and dependable pass catcher with Pickens out. As a result, CBS Sports’ Shanna McCarriston and Tyler Sullivan feel the Steelers are a possible destination for former Miami Dolphins wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr.
Whenever a wide receiver became available during the last year, the Steelers were either on the outside looking in or right in the mix. When the Steelers went big-game hunting at the position, they were unsuccessful and settled with Mike Williams at the deadline. With that in mind, there is still a need at the position, particularly with top wideout George Pickens out with a hamstring injury. Pittsburgh leads the AFC North, but Baltimore is closing in, so it can’t afford to slow down over the remaining four weeks of the regular season. If Beckham is searching for a place to quickly demand a higher market share, Pittsburgh makes a lot of sense.
Beckham and the Dolphins amicably agreed to part ways on Friday, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, after the veteran had only nine receptions for 55 yards in nine games this season. Once cut, the 2014 first-round pick will be placed on waivers and will be paid only $200,000 for the remainder of the season. Though Beckham disappointed in Miami, the three-time Pro Bowler did not earn many snaps and could still be a valuable depth receiver. The Steelers should file a claim for Beckham and bring him to Pittsburgh, as the 32-year-old will be inexpensive to acquire and there is no danger in adding him to the squad.
Beckham isn’t the same player he once was, but the veteran can still contribute to a contender. The Steelers must strive to replace Pickens’ output over the next three games and stock up on wide receiver depth as the playoffs approach, and Beckham would be a welcome addition to the receiver room.
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