The Pittsburgh Steelers have done a solid job of upgrading their roster this offseason, filling numerous needs. They should once again challenge for a playoff spot in the AFC with the development of Kenny Pickett being what determines just how high up the standings they can go.
If the second half of his rookie season was a sign of things to come, the Steelers are in good shape. Whatever work he put in during the bye week paid huge dividends as he fixed his turnover issues and led the team on multiple game-winning drives.
This offseason, Pickett got some help in the form of veteran wide receiver Allen Robinson. The Steelers acquired him for basically free from the Los Angeles Rams as the teams exchanged seventh-round picks and Los Angeles covered $10 million of the $15 million he was owed.
With Robinson in the fold, Pittsburgh had a deep, talented group of pass catchers with diverse skill sets. Diontae Johnson and George Pickens will join him in the starting lineup and the team is hoping 2022 fourth-round pick Calvin Austin III can contribute this season after a washout rookie campaign. Add in tight end Pat Freiermuth and the Steelers are in business.
But, is there a chance another upgrade is on the way? Joy Taylor of FS1 on a recent episode of Speak suggested the Steelers as a landing spot for running back Dalvin Cook. Cook was recently released by the Minnesota Vikings and is free to choose his next team. Taylor believes we should keep an eye on the Steel City being where he ends up.
“I think he would be very interesting with the Steelers. When I think about the Steelers’ offensive identity, they always have big and fast receivers. They always have a solid running game,” Taylor said. (H/T MSN)
Taylor also mentioned the benefits of having a second running back capable of producing alongside Najee Harris. Cook and Harris would certainly make for a great combination, but the Steelers already have a running back capable of producing when given the chance in Jaylen Warren.
The 2022 undrafted free agent showed plenty of burst during his rookie season and some versatility as someone capable of running between the tackles and handling passing down work. Considerably cheaper than Cook would be, the Steelers would be better off saving their resources and using them elsewhere on the roster as Warren is a more than capable change of pace player behind Harris.
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