Pittsburgh isn’t done trying to improve their wide receiver corps yet. They now have their eyes on a former NFC standout.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are openly working to enhance their passing game from the previous season. Before Kenny Pickett was sent across the state to play for the Philadelphia Eagles, the quarterback room had to be completely renovated.On a two-year contract, Mitchell Trubisky rejoined the Buffalo Bills.
Veteran quarterback Russell Wilson is now anticipated to start for the team and is looking for his own redemption. In the event that he performs poorly, Justin Fields, a previous first-round selection, will take over. Beneath the core, Pittsburgh will be a whole different group.
However, that is but one component of the passing combination. The Steelers need players who can catch the ball and make plays, regardless of who is throwing it. particularly in light of Diontae Johnson’s March trade to the Carolina Panthers. George Pickens looked like Will Smith at one time, standing by himself in the WR room.
That raises the most recent speculation about the Steelers’ free agency.Pittsburgh has been in communication with former Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas, according to Zach Smith of Around the 412. Despite battling injuries, the free agent has a strong resume and the potential to still be useful when healthy.
A Deal with Michael Thomas Could be a Steal
He would provide experience and a needed skillset to Pittsburgh’s passing game
Depending on the price, Thomas would be a slam-dunk addition. Right now, Roman Wilson, Van Jefferson, Quez Watkins, and Scott Miller are battling for the WR2 spot. Wilson hasn’t played a snap in the NFL yet, so he gets a pass, but the rest of those players are not as talented as a healthy Thomas.
| Michael Thomas Season-By-Season Stats | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Touchdowns |
| 2016 | 92 | 1,137 | 9 |
| 2017 | 104 | 1,245 | 5 |
| 2018 | 125 | 1,405 | 9 |
| 2019 | 149 | 1,725 | 9 |
| 2020 | 40 | 438 | 0 |
| 2022 | 16 | 171 | 3 |
| 2023 | 39 | 448 | 1 |
When looking at potential complementary pieces to Pickens, Thomas’ route running abilities underneath also stand out compared to Pickens’ vertical threat. Thomas could fill Johnson’s role as a reliable possession receiver who racks up more than 80 catches.
GIVEMESPORT Key Stat: In 2019, Michael Thomas finished with 149 receptions for 1,725 yards. Both of those numbers led the NFL. George Pickens (1,941) is the only WR on Pittsburgh’s current roster with more than 1,725 receiving yards in his career.
Health will always be the biggest concern for Thomas moving forward. He didn’t play at all in 2021. Thomas followed that up with three games in 2022 and 10 appearances in 2023. Staying on the field should be Pittsburgh’s primary concern with this move.
However, a healthy Thomas was the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year in 2019. He has two First-Team All-Pro selections to his name. If the price makes sense, the Steelers need to pull the trigger on this signing before someone else does. Their WR room needs a guy like Thomas running around.
