Who is the top free agent wide receiever target for the Steelers?
The Pittsburgh Steelers were not blowing defenses off the field in 2021 (21st in Points Per Game), but they did have playmakers capable of terrorizing defenses. JuJu Smith-Schuster has been clearly one of the most talented weapons on the roster since he was drafted in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Although, JuJu hasn’t quite lived up to his 2018 season (111, 1,426, 7). JuJu hasn’t unleashed a 1,000+ receiving yard season in each of the past few seasons.
As widely enunciated, JuJu is a free agent in 2022. He tested the open market last off-season but chose to re-sign with the Steelers in 2021. I believe the Steelers are still a Top 3 option for JuJu, but I believe it will be harder for the Big Ben-less Steelers to outbid other potential talented and wealthy squads. So, if the Steelers lose JuJu in the 2022 free agency, who could they replace him with? Well, here are a few intriguing options.
DJ Chark
If the Steelers don’t reunite with JuJu, I don’t see them attracting a top-tier WR like OBJ or Allen Robinson to replace him. I expect them to bring a talented, yet slightly underrated wideout. I’d love for them to ink DJ Chark, who can be a big weapon (6’4, 200) on the outside for the Steelers new QB. It may be wise to sign him on a prove-it deal. The Jags wideout quietly had 73 receptions, 1,008 yards, and 8 touchdowns in his second season in the league.
Desean Jackson
I feel like the Steelers would be a very logical fit for the Philadelphia Eagles legend. The Steelers are a talented team that needs WR help and they may not immediately find it. Jackson could also be available later in the process. It may make sense for the Steelers to hope for a nice low-risk high reward contract with the deep-threat Jackson.
Chris Conley
I’d like to see the blistering fast Chris Conley blossom late in his career, similar to the uncatchable Tedd Ginn Jr. in the later process of his journey. Conley had a career season in 2019 with the Jaguars, where he ousted 775 yards and 5 touchdowns. He might not be the next Mike Wallace for Mike Tomlin, but he can torch defenses with the Steelers offense for a few more seasons.
