The pickings at wide receiver in free agency are rather slim right now. Tyler Boyd, who the Pittsburgh Steelers reportedly have an interest in, and Odell Beckham Jr. are the best options left.
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk sparked speculation on Tuesday when he sent a message to Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin on X, stating “@CoachTomlin they saying we twins. What you think?”
The Steelers are in dire need of a wide receiver, and Aiyuk certainly would be a fit. But the draft capital to acquire Aiyuk is expected to be astronomical. According to Jacksonville reporter Mia O’Brien, the 49ers wanted the Jaguars’ No. 17 overall pick and wide receiver Zay Jones. The Jaguars would also have to pay Aiyuk his $14.124 million that he’s owed by San Francisco in 2024, as well. Jacksonville thought that trade package was unreasonable and scrapped the deal.
The Steelers are in a tough spot right now at wide receiver, and minus a blockbuster trade for Aiyuk, there best bet is to address the position with two picks in the draft.
Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, however, thinks it would be wise for the Steelers to kick the tires on the 31-year-old Beckham in the second wave of free agency. Beckham is scheduled to visit the Miami Dolphins on Thursday, according to CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson.
“I think the Steelers are better off just playing it cheap, playing it safe, see what’s in the draft,” Florio said on 93.7 The Fan Wednesday. “I’m intrigued by [Odell Beckham Jr.]. He’s available. He’s not gonna get the $15 million he got last year, and he still had moments last year in Baltimore. Players always love him and he wasn’t whining about his playing time or his production last year. I think as free agency gets deeper and deeper into March and into April, some of these veteran guys are gonna be cheaper to get. Couple that with a draft pick or two, and I think you have what you need.”
Beckham caught 35 passes for 565 yards and three touchdowns last season in Baltimore. He averaged 16.1 yards per reception, so he’s still a threat downfield. Beckham is obviously not the same player that he was a decade ago, but he still could be a solid No. 3 option for the Steelers. With OBJ, it’s really about how much is he willing to play for. Omar Khan’s for sure not going to overspend for a 31-year-old wide receiver with a lengthy injury history.
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