Why OC Arthur Smith could bring Super Bowl-winning WR with him to Steelers

The Steelers hired former Falcons head coach Arthur Smith as their next offensive coordinator on Tuesday. But he may not be the only one from Atlanta who will be joining Pittsburgh in 2024.

Falcons upcoming free agent wide receiver Mack Hollins has been tabbed a name to watch for the Steelers in free agency.

The 30-year-old played under Smith in 2023 and could bring his experience, which includes a Super Bowl LII championship with the Philadelphia Eagles, to Pittsburgh's young wide receiver room.

Veteran WR Allen Robinson II has held that role for the past year but it seems inevitable that the team will move on from him this offseason as it would save $10M against the cap, per Spotrac. 

The Steelers need to make several moves to clear up space since they are projected to be $15.66 million over the salary cap in 2024, according to Pro Football Focus. Cutting Robinson II would certainly help with that.

As a result, signing Hollins, who is only expected to receive a one-year, $1.4M contract, would be an ideal swap. The former fourth-round pick in 2017 only had 18 catches for 251 yards this season. But Robinson II's 2023 stat line was just as unimpressive with 34 catches for 280 yards.

Pittsburgh will need to add another receiver if it parts with Robinson II and Hollins seems to fit the bill. The 6-foot-4, 221-pound wide receiver works great in Smith's run-heavy scheme.

Hollins is a good blocker while proving to be a special teams asset. But most importantly, he won't break the bank.

The Steelers clearly have some tough decisions to make in the coming weeks and months. But if Smith can persuade Hollins to join him in Pittsburgh, it will give the team one less thing to worry about in 2024.