Don't expect the rumors surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers to extinguish just because the trade deadline has passed. There are some free agent options out there who could potentially provide a boost to their roster. With several concerns still surrounding the depth chart, General Manager Omar Khan could remain on the hunt for several upgrades to help his team make a push for the playoffs.
According to Tom Pelissero, veteran receiver Odell Beckham Jr. has served his suspension and is ready to play this season.
He was reinstated on November 18 after being suspended earlier in the year. The free agent was shut out for six games due to violating the NFL's performance enhancement drug policy (PEDs). With a clean bill of health, it wouldn't surprise anyone to see the flashy personality land a job.
Pittsburgh has stumbled through the season to find a legit target opposite of DK Metcalf. It has forced Metcalf into poor situations, and therefore, the offense has suffered over the past month. Roman Wilson hasn't gotten enough opportunities, despite finding ways to get open, and Calvin Austin III's role is diminishing. Beckham Jr. might not be elite, but he is a proven veteran.
Pittsburgh Steelers could consider free agent Odell Beckham Jr. to boost their offense
Despite the Steelers signing Marques Valdes-Scantling, they refuse to bring him onto the active roster. He currently sits on the practice squad waiting for an opportunity. Pittsburgh might grant him a shot if the current situation surrounding the receiver room continues. Either that, or Khan could consider dipping back into the free agent pool.
Beckham Jr. isn't a complete fix, but he could help.
Numerous rumors were suggesting that Khan was heavily involved in multiple trade talks before the deadline. Nothing materialized outside of adding Kyle Dugger. Holes remain on the roster, and that could result in in-season additions. Unless Wilson or Austin starts to gain targets, the ongoing issues at the receiver position will plague Pittsburgh for the rest of the campaign.
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Beckham Jr. would not provide elite production like he did earlier in his career, but he could provide stability. Much like Valdes-Scantling, neither will be a star player for the Steelers offense, but they could add new wrinkles to the group. OBJ made three Pro Bowls during his fantastic start to his career, but age has caught up to him quickly, and that has put his career in a troubled state.
The high-profile free agent remains available for the Steelers to evaluate, but his potential addition comes with notable concerns.
He hasn't started more than eight games in a season since 2021, and his best year recently was in 2023 with the Baltimore Ravens in a depth role. He might not be the perfect fix Pittsburgh has been hoping for, but Beckham Jr. could be Khan's only shot at a solution.