Pittsburgh Steelers
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Steelers not expected to pursue Deebo Samuel.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have revamped their offense, but the team is unlikely to add a former Pro Bowl receiver.
Former San Francisco 49ers and Washington Commanders receiver Deebo Samuel remains a free agent, and the Steelers were considered a fit for him in their offense. Yet, Steelers insider Gerry Dulac of The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette said the team won’t be signing Samuel.
“Good morning! I feel like Deebo would make a good slot in our offense. Especially with how fast Rodgers gets it out,” a fan asked Dulac in his weekly chat, which Dulac responded with:
“Maybe. But that’s not happening,” Dulac wrote.
Samuel is now 30-years-old, but still is an effective receiver who thrives at getting yards after the catch. He can also run the ball on certain plays and be a funky part of the offense. Yet it’s clear that the Steelers don’t have interest in him.
Samuel is predicted to sign a two-year deal worth just over $31 million, according to Spotrac, so perhaps the price tag is what is pushing the Steelers away.
With the Commanders’ last season, Samuel recorded 72 receptions for 727 yards and 5 touchdowns. His career high is 1,405 yards and 5 touchdowns, and he is a one-time Pro Bowler.
Steelers Done Adding FA Wide Receivers
Part of the reason why the Steelers won’t make a move for Samuel is that Dulac believes the team is done adding receivers.
Pittsburgh traded for Michael Pittman Jr. in a bold move to help bolster the offense. However, Dulac believes that will be the only wide receiver move the Steelers make, besides maybe drafting one on Day 2 or Day 3.
“They’re done,” Dulac added. “But they will draft one…and high. Don’t forget, they’re down to Metcalf, Pittman, Roman Wilson and Skowronek, plus a bunch of wanna-bes. They were going to add a WR in free agency (OK, it was a trade) and they’re going to draft one.”
The Steelers’ wide receiver room is currently led by Metcalf and Pittman, which will give whoever is at quarterback some weapons. However, who will be at quarterback is uncertain as Aaron Rodgers has yet to re-sign, despite all the speculation that he will be back.
Pittsburgh Adds Pittman to WR Room
The Steelers big move this offseason was trading for Pittman, who will be a key part of the team’s offense.
Pittman, meanwhile, is also embracing his role with the Steelers and the comparisons to Hines Ward.
“I’ve actually got that (comparison) a lot, especially early in my career,” Pittman said to the Steelers website. “Talking about the blocking aspect, because that’s something that I take pride in: going out there and blocking and just that physicality. So, that’s like the ultimate compliment, I think, because he was a great player and everything that he’s done here, so I hope to continue to do that, and I hope that Steelers fans can see that same intensity that he had in the way I play.”
Pittman recorded 80 receptions for 784 yards and 7 touchdowns last season with the Colts. His career high is 1,152 yards.