The Pittsburgh Steelers began free agency by signing Russell Wilson, who provided the much-needed quarterback improvement.
That, paired with the next major offensive change, may make one of Wilson’s former teammates a target for the Steelers.
The Steelers traded Dionte Johnson this week, leaving the team with a need to find a WR2 to replace him.
Since the trade, they’ve been linked to a number of veteran options. However, the answer could be a player Wilson is quite familiar with.
Steelers Nation’s Christopher Barbre believes the Steelers should consider Denver Broncos receiver Courtland Sutton as a trade prospect.
Sutton’s Steady Play for the Broncos
Since being chosen in 2018, Sutton and the Broncos haven’t had much consistency.
They have gone through several quarterbacks and are on their fourth head coach in that period.
That has not stopped Sutton from performing.
Despite continuously playing in a mediocre offense, Sutton has accumulated over 700 yards in five of his six NFL seasons. He missed one year when he tore his ACL in Week 1.
His best season came in 2019, when he was selected to the Pro Bowl after catching 72 passes for 1112 yards and six touchdowns.
He hasn’t been able to reach that level since as the team has gone through a series of offensive issues, but he has been the team’s top option at receiver and a solid asset year after year.
Now Sutton could be a good option for a team that is looking to bring an end to their own recent problems on offense.
The Steelers’ New Need at WR
Throughout the offseason, there appeared to be a lingering potential that the Steelers would target a wide receiver.
The team lacked a consistent third option at the position, as Allen Robinson failed and was one of the team’s top cut candidates entering the offseason.
Now that he has been dismissed, the team will undoubtedly attempt to fill the position.
There is also a fresh requirement for receivers.
With Johnson gone, the squad must find someone to play on the outside alongside George Pickens.
Wilson will need dependable receivers if he wants to rebound from his poor season with the Broncos.
The team can look to the draft, but the changes they’ve made this summer appear to be aimed at winning now.
That could suggest they’ll be seeking for a veteran to fill the position, and Sutton is a strong fit.
Having him in Pittsburgh could help Wilson adjust to his new team.
Throughout his career, he has posted stats similar to Johnson.
Sutton is a steady producer with years of experience that Pickens can learn from.
He would come with a significant cap charge, but he would be worth it if he could help Wilson get back on track, and his deal is easily terminated in 2025 if things don’t work out.
Sutton has been reported as a trade candidate for the Broncos in recent years, and the Steelers appear to be a team that might finally make those speculations come true.
