The Pittsburgh Steelers, an AFC franchise, make contact with wide receiver Michael Thomas, a $96 million free agent who may soon sign a contract. The veteran wide receiver has reportedly been contacted by the Steelers as a potential Diontae Johnson replacement. This offseason, Pittsburgh hasn’t had any luck on the free-agent market locating their next receiver. But, they were preoccupied with attempting to pull off a spectacular deal this past NFL Draft by putting in a bid for either Brandon Aiyuk or Deebo Samuel with San Francisco.
The 49ers, however, have no intention of dealing either of their top receivers to another club. This does not exclude the Steelers from selecting another wideout from the limited pool of candidates. The wide receiver room that the Steelers have isn’t enough for them, and Even if players like Courtland Sutton or Treylon Burks would be considered, both parties would benefit from Thomas’ addition. They will probably offer Thomas a one-year contract, though, to see how much more he can offer an offense that has been evolving. Thomas’s career had considerable upside following an incredible run of two seasons as an All-Pro in 2018 and 2019. He now holds the NFL record for the most receptions in a single season with 149 in 2019.
The 2019 Offensive Player of the Year isn’t the same player he was. However, he could still bring a lot to a struggling offense if one needs it. The Steelers look to be desperate as training camp is next month and Russell Wilson is without a WR1. They need someone to help George Pickens on the opposite side.
AFC Team Pittsburgh Steelers Contacts $96 Million Free Agent Michael Thomas, Could Sign Imminently
How He Fits
As of now, the Steelers don’t have a proven receiver to fill the shoes of Johnson. This would leave most of the work to Pickens while they still have some other wideouts. A platoon of Roman Wilson, Scotty Miller, Van Jefferson and Quez Watkins will be counted on to be the temporary replacement. However, they need a reliable starter to take over the receiving corps next to Pickens for a few years.
Thomas is the replacement to fill that hole if the Steelers aren’t looking to spend too much money. His injury history and lack of production could give the team the leverage to give him a cheap deal. However, one can wonder what he has left still to provide for a team being that he hasn’t been able to stay healthy. They need someone to help Pickens since he’s in line to his first 1,000-yard season but the outside options are limited.
The Steelers would want to avoid having one receiver carrying the weight. However, the additions of the new receivers for Pittsburgh this offseason could help but that seems unlikely. Some still believe the Steelers could trade for a big-time but don’t count out a free-agent addition. Here are some potential destinations for Thomas if he doesn’t end up in Pittsburgh.
Potential Destinations
To overcome the Chiefs and claim the title of AFC Champions, the Ravens will use every ounce of offensive firepower possible. They won’t proceed unless they bring in an additional wide receiver to support Rashod Bateman and Zay Flowers. After a dismal season from Bateman, Baltimore was able to rely on Mark Andrews and Flowers for the majority of the season. Even if Bateman’s contract extension with the organization is up, they still need additional receiver support to help the decline.
The Chiefs are now without a receiver as it is safe to presume that Rashee Rice won’t be with the team for some time. Led by Marquise Brown, the wideout picture is still promising, but if they want to succeed in the long run, they will want additional assistance. The next best man is Xavier Worthy, but he’s also
