Steelers Urged to Sign ‘Physical’ WR as Complementary Target
Every single Pittsburgh Steelers pass catcher who had more than 3 receptions last season is under contract for 2024. But Bleacher Report’s Joe Tansey still argued on February 14 for the Steelers to target veteran receiver Noah Brown in NFL free agency.
“The Steelers could use a physical possession-based wide receiver who can complement [Diontae] Johnson and [George] Pickens,” wrote Tansey.
“Noah Brown fits that mold with his 6’2”, 215-pound frame.
“Brown could take some pressure off Johnson and Pickens when it comes to wide receiver production and he would allow [Pat] Freiermuth to not be the only option Pickett can trust across the middle.”
Brown was not only physical, but he was a big-play machine for the Houston Texans in 2023. He posted 33 catches for 567 yards, averaging a career-high 17.2 yards per reception, with 2 touchdowns.
How Noah Brown Could Fit With the Pittsburgh Steelers
Injuries cut into production from wide receiver Diontae Johnson and tight end Pat Freiermuth during the 2023 season. But each still finished among the team’s top four pass catchers in terms of yards.
George Pickens led the team with 63 catches and 1,140 yards.
Pickens was Pittsburgh’s big-play threat, averaging 18.1 yards per catch. He figures to continue in that role in Arthur Smith’s offense next season. But Brown could be a nice complementary target to add as another option over the middle of the field.
The Steelers didn’t use between the hash marks enough under previous offensive coordinator Matt Canada. Part of that was Freiermuth missing five games in 2023. Backup tight ends Connor Heyward and Darnell Washington combined for just 30 catches and 228 yards with no touchdowns the entire season.
Brown is obviously a receiver, but his physicality could bode very well for Pittsburgh’s intermediate passing attack, especially over the middle of the field.
