Michael Thomas Could be Steelers WR Solution

The Pittsburgh Steelers could add a wide receiver that has All-Pro upside.

Oct 15, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (13) during warm / Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers are exploring all options when it comes to a wide receiver addition. They've spoken with Tyler Boyd, only for those talks to come to an end, and have looked into the trade market, just in case there was an option they believed was worth a move.

None came to fruition. The team has settled into the final stages of free agency and began preparing for the NFL Draft, all without adding a No. 3, and possibly a No. 3 wide receiver.

Currently, their room consists of George Pickens, Calvin Austin, Quez Watkins, Van Jefferson, Cordarrelle Patterson (who's a running back) and a few players who weren't on active rosters last season.

Maybe the team is comfortable with heading into the NFL Draft without another addition, but if they aren't, they may have a flexible solution in an All-Pro free agent.

Michael Thomas remains on the free agent market after spending the first eight years of his career in New Orleans. He's looking for a new home after four years of injury-ridden seasons, hoping to rebound with a new franchise at 31-years-old and with 10 healthy games behind him from last season.

At his best, Thomas is a great No. 2 receiver in the NFL - at this point in his career. Before several injuries, he had four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, with his best coming in 2019 when he led the league with 1,725 yards and nine touchdowns. If he's healthy but not a 1,000-yard option, he's still a very reliable No. 3 who can play the slot, which is what the Steelers need.

His current market value on Spotrac is one-year, $9.2 million. If the Steelers weren't willing to give Tyler Boyd the money he thought he deserved, it's a very slim chance they're going to pay Thomas that kind of money. But realistically, Thomas isn't going to get that kind of money from a club after not finishing a full season since that remarkable 2019 campaign.

If the Steelers can sign him for maybe half of that, he's a great option. He secures the WR3 role with WR2 potential. He's a veteran who can help Pickens and Austin develop, plus an expected rookie who will be in the mix. And when it comes to his on-field contributions, Pittsburgh simply needs talent - and Thomas has plenty of it.

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