Earlier within the offseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers offense regarded scarier on paper than it had in fairly a while. They signed WR DK Metcalf to a record-breaking contract within the Metal Metropolis, with George Pickens nonetheless on the roster. However the staff determined to deal Pickens, with the compensation coming in future years and the present WR room wanting far more like 2024.
I wish to present some stats on the highest free agent huge receivers at the moment, analyzing what that might appear like for the Steelers in the event that they determined to dive into these waters.
The research will embody the highest three free agent huge receivers (prior common yearly worth). These names are Amari Cooper, Keenan Allen and Gabe Davis. Additionally, 2024/present Steelers and the remainder of the NFL will probably be included for context (min. 40 targets).
Talking of which, right here is common depth of goal (ADOT) and yards after catch per reception (YAC) from the 2024 common season:
Not an awe-inspiring image for the gamers we’re targeted on on this research, notably seeing not one of the group above the imply in yards after catch (YAC). Returning Steelers receiver Calvin Austin lands slightly below that mark, with 4.3 YAC, tying for Forty first out of 104 qualifiers. Metcalf is available in at 4.0 YAC, tied with the lately departed Pickens at 52nd, whereas Van Jefferson (now with Tennessee) bottomed Pittsburgh’s numbers final season (3.3, T-76th).
The free agent group provided little in YAC as effectively: Allen (3.4, T-73rd), Cooper (2.7, T-91st), Davis (2.2, T-99th). Bear in mind, there are 104 qualifying WRs, and solely three gamers had a worse quantity than Davis. YAC is a vital component to offensive success and clearly lacked in 2024 from the free brokers and in Pittsburgh.
The place issues look higher is common depth of goal (ADOT). Each present Steelers have been above common, notably Metcalf (14.3). This sarcastically tied for Twelfth with Davis, which matches their status of being discipline stretchers. This was an thrilling risk with Metcalf and Pickens (13.9, T-Seventeenth) pre-trade.
If Pittsburgh needs comparable potential on the sphere, Davis can be the identify I’d advocate for. Cooper (13.0, twenty fifth) landed extra equally to Austin (12.7, T-Twenty eighth), additionally strong numbers. The remainder of the group was beneath the imply: Jefferson (11.1, sixty fourth), Allen (10.1, 72nd).
This actually provides context to the free agent WRs utilization in 2024, and probably what issues may probably appear like in the event that they have been to put on the Black and Gold. After all, questions nonetheless stay on the quarterback place, which performs an enormous issue.
I additionally wished to have a look at catching stats. Some numbers jumped out as revealing – contested catches and drop charges:
Instantly, we see Metcalf was the one participant above the imply in every stat: notably 15 contested catches (T-Twelfth) and a 4.3 drop price (thirty second). The previous got here on 41 contested targets, which led the NFL within the 2024 common season. Contemplating this, Metcalf’s drop price on all targets is much more spectacular.
In any other case, it was largely one or the opposite for the remainder. On the underside proper, three gamers had above common contested catches however beneath common drop charges. Allen – 13 contested catches (T-Seventeenth), 10.3 drop price (84th). Cooper – 11 contested catches (T-Twenty sixth), 15.4 drop price (T-104th, third-worst). Pickens – 10 contested catches (T-Thirty first), 13.2 drop price (ninety fifth). Metcalf’s worth on this regard turns into even clearer.
On the opposite finish of the spectrum (beneath the imply contested catches), Austin was the one focus participant with an above common drop price (5.3, T-Forty first). The ultimate two have been beneath that line, beginning with Jefferson (7.7, sixty fourth). Clearly wasn’t a needle mover for Pittsburgh in 2024. Even decrease was Davis, with simply two contested catches (T-Ninetieth) and a 9.1 drop price (73rd).
That is an instance of what I found when scouring a number of stats, discovering some sprinkles of encouraging information, however largely underwhelming 2024 resumes for the highest free brokers at huge receiver. Provides to the sensation many had on the Pickens commerce, notably doing so after the draft, and limiting 2025 choices for Pittsburgh.
Seemingly, the Steelers’ need to commerce Pickens was primarily for off the sphere and character causes. The three free agent potentialities seem to suit with the Steelers in that regard. However a scarcity of general impression on the sphere for the group is smart contemplating their companies are nonetheless out there. It re-emphasizes the less-than-ideal timing of Pittsburgh transferring on from Pickens.
It’s a multi-faceted matter, with advantages coming sooner or later. However sadly, not a lot optimism for issues wanting a lot completely different for Pittsburgh’s receiver room in 2025 regardless of new faces. If the Steelers have been to signal one of many three free agent choices we checked out, I’d hope for Davis.
He did see a dip in manufacturing in 2024 with a brand new Jaguars squad. However he’s nonetheless younger and had sturdy current seasons in Buffalo that Pittsburgh is conversant in (permitting a 97-yard TD). Hopefully Davis may rekindle a few of that success versus a down and injury-shortened 2024 marketing campaign. He may fill the vast majority of vacated snaps on the surface.
If that occurred, it will additionally align properly with the remainder of the WR room for my part. On paper, the group may have extra success within the slot. We noticed that from Austin final 12 months. The Steelers even have Roman Wilson, who the staff remains to be excessive on regardless of enjoying simply 5 snaps as a rookie.
Robert Woods was additionally added by Pittsburgh. He has expertise within the slot, too, however he’s a 13-year vet who hasn’t been very productive for a number of years now. So, the Steelers huge receiver room went from maybe one among the most effective deep-ball duos to perhaps one of many weakest teams within the NFL. What now?
