NFL writer envisions Pittsburgh Steelers targeting rival star in 2025

The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves lacking depth at the wide receiver position, with limited options available in NFL free agency. This scarcity may lead the Steelers to delay any significant signings until possibly the following year. Should this strategy materialize, Tee Higgins emerges as an intriguing prospect.

Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report envisions Higgins as a potential target for the Steelers, projecting a substantial 4-year deal worth $99.7 million during the 2025 free agency period.

Despite the Bengals placing the franchise tag on Higgins this offseason, the possibility remains that he could still be traded. However, Davenport argues against this likelihood, citing the low returns on trades involving veteran receivers this offseason.

If Higgins were to depart via free agency next year, the Bengals would stand to gain a third-round compensatory selection in the 2026 draft.

In the 2023 season, Higgins tallied 42 receptions for 656 yards and 5 touchdowns, marking career lows attributed to his limited 12-game appearance due to injuries. Notably, he averaged a career-high 15.6 yards per catch.

Over four NFL seasons spanning 58 games, Higgins has amassed 257 receptions for 3,684 yards and 24 touchdowns. He has particularly excelled against the Steelers, averaging 95.8 receiving yards per game and nearly 18 yards per catch in six matchups.

While the future actions of NFL teams remain uncertain, the Steelers’ need for additional wide receiver talent is evident.

Following the departure of Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers at the start of NFL free agency, George Pickens stands as the sole receiver on Pittsburgh’s roster to have surpassed 210 receiving yards last season.

Subsequent to the Johnson trade, the Steelers acquired veteran wideouts Van Jefferson and Quez Watkins. However, neither player reached 210 yards in the 2023 season.

Bringing in Higgins would provide the Steelers with a seasoned pass-catcher capable of seamlessly assuming the No. 2 role behind Pickens.

Currently, the trio of Jefferson, Watkins, and Calvin Austin III, positioned below Pickens on the depth chart, combined for 531 receiving yards in 2023. Higgins, despite facing injury setbacks, outpaced this collective production.

The potential hurdle for the Pittsburgh Steelers in securing Tee Higgins mirrors the challenge faced by the Bengals.

With Pickens’ rookie contract set to expire after the 2025 season, the Steelers may need to exercise caution in their receiver acquisitions next offseason to facilitate Pickens’ potential re-signing.