The Pittsburgh Steelers kicked off free agency by getting themselves the quarterback upgrade they needed and signing Russell Wilson.
The combination of the play and their subsequent offensive playmaking maneuver may make one of Wilson’s previous teammates a target for the Steelers.
This week, the Steelers traded Dionte Johnson, so now they have to go acquire a WR2 to take his position.
Since the trade, they have been connected to a number of veteran options. On the other hand, Wilson may know a player who holds the key to their success.
According to Christopher Barbre of Steelers Nation, the Steelers ought to consider Courtland Sutton of the Denver Broncos as a potential trade target.
Sutton’s Steady Play for the Broncos
Not much has been consistent for Sutton and the Broncos since they drafted him back in 2018.
They have cycled through quarterbacks and are on their fourth head coach during that time.
That hasn’t prevented Sutton from performing.
Sutton has completed 700 yards in five of his six NFL seasons, while always being a part of a subpar offense. He suffered an ACL tear in Week 1 of that year, which prevented him from playing.
At his best, he was selected for the 2019 Pro Bowl after hauling in 72 passes for 1112 yards and six touchdowns.
Although the squad has experienced a number of offensive problems, he has been the team’s best choice at receiver and a reliable asset every year. He hasn’t been able to approach that level since.
Now, Sutton might be a smart choice for a team trying to solve its own recent offensive issues.
The Steelers’ New Need at WR
Throughout the offseason, there has seemed to be a lingering possibility that the Steelers could end up targeting a wide receiver.
The team didn’t have a reliable third option at the position as Allen Robinson struggled and he was one of the team’s top cut candidates entering the offseason.
Now he has been released and the slot is definitely a spot the team will look to address.
There is also a new need at receiver.
With Johnson gone, the team needs to find somebody to play on the outside with George Pickens.
Wilson is going to need receivers he can depend on if he is going to bounce back from his disappointing run with the Broncos.
The team can look to the draft, but the moves they’re making this offseason appear geared toward winning now.
That could mean they’ll be looking for a veteran to take on the role and Sutton is a good fit for the job.
It might be easier for Wilson to adjust to his new team in Pittsburgh with him there.
Throughout his career, he has also produced stats akin to those of Johnson.
Pickens can gain experience and insight from Sutton, a seasoned producer.
Although he would have a significant cap charge, if he could help Wilson get back on track, he would be worth it. In addition, if things don’t work out, his contract is very tradable in 2025.
The Broncos have been linked to Sutton on multiple occasions in the past, and the Steelers seem like the team that may put an end to the speculations.
