By
Matthew Schmidt is a sportswriter who covers NFL, MLB, NBA and college football and basketball. He has been writing professionally since 2011 and has also worked for On SI, Bleacher Report, FanRag Sports, ClutchPoints, NFLAnalysis.net and NBAAnalysis.net. He was born and raised in New Jersey and has a rather eclectic group of favorite teams: the Boston Celtics, New York Giants and Miami Marlins.
Matthew Schmidt
Contributing Sports Writer
🎙️ Voice is AI-generated. Inconsistencies may occur.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have definitely swung for the fences this offseason, adding big names like Aaron Rodgers, D.K. Metcalf and Jalen Ramsey to significantly bolster their Super Bowl chances.
However, after trading away George Pickens, it’s pretty evident that the Steelers are lacking proven depth in the wide receiver department.
More news: Steelers Predicted to Replace Aaron Rodgers With Polarizing INT Leader
Sure, Metcalf is terrific, but there isn’t a whole lot behind him in the wide receiver room, which could spell some trouble for Pittsburgh this coming season.
But at this point, who could the Steelers bring in to provide more help for Rodgers? Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley has identified a potential solution and is predicting Pittsburgh to sign five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Amari Cooper, who is still available in free agency.
“Declining isn’t the same as #washed, so Cooper should be able to help the right team,” Buckley wrote. “He’d have a non-zero chance of stabilizing the WR2 role in Pittsburgh one would think.”
Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images
Cooper played for both the Cleveland Browns and Buffalo Bills last season, totaling 44 catches for 547 yards and four touchdowns over 14 games in what was the least productive campaign in his NFL career.
That being said, the 31-year-old is just two years removed from hauling in 72 receptions for 1,250 yards and five scores in what was arguably his best season, so perhaps Cooper still has something left in the tank.
It couldn’t hurt the Steelers to give Cooper a shot. He probably wouldn’t cost much at this juncture, and he is at the very least a proven weapon who should be able to add something to Pittsburgh’s aerial attack.
More news: Caleb Williams’ WR Comments are Bad Sign for Bears Rookie
Otherwise, the Steelers will be relying on young options like Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson, which doesn’t inspire a ton of confidence.
It has always seemed hard to imagine Pittsburgh will enter the regular season with its wide receiver form as currently constructed, so maybe the Steelers will make a move here before Week 1.
For more on the Steelers and NFL, head to Newsweek Sports.