The Pittsburgh Steelers are facing a pivotal decision at wide receiver this offseason. They have two options: bring in a seasoned veteran to complement their explosive playmaker, George Pickens, or identify a potential replacement for Pickens, who has been surrounded by controversy over the past two seasons. Pro Football Focus (PFF) analyst Mason Cameron strongly supports the first route. On January 22, he declared that five-time Pro Bowler Amari Cooper would be the “best landing spot” for Pittsburgh, arguing the veteran wideout could fill a key role for the team.
“The 30-year-old Cooper will have his fair share of suitors on the open market, likely teams looking to add quality veteran leadership to their receiver room,” Cameron wrote. “What better place to provide that presence than a team with a history of animated receivers like Pittsburgh? Pairing the even-keeled Cooper with George Pickens would be a prudent move to calm the Steelers’ receiver room and split defensive attention.”
PFF ranks Cooper as the third-best wide receiver and the seventh-best overall player scheduled to hit free agency in March. His experience and track record make him an attractive option. The last contract Cooper signed—a five-year, $100 million deal—underscores his value as one of the league’s elite receivers.
Amari Cooper’s Potential Role in Pittsburgh
Amari Cooper brings a mix of experience and proven production that could address the Steelers’ current wide receiver needs. George Pickens, the team’s top receiving option, will enter the final year of his rookie contract in 2025. Mason Cameron believes Cooper could act as a stabilizing presence for Pickens, offering mentorship and leadership the young receiver hasn’t had during his first three years in Pittsburgh.
While Pickens is known for his big-play ability, Cooper’s consistency and polished route running could perfectly complement the young star’s game. Cooper has an impressive resume, including 10 seasons in the NFL and multiple Pro Bowl appearances. Despite experiencing a dip in production in 2024, Cooper has shown he still has the talent to make an impact. In 2023, he tallied 72 receptions, 1,250 yards, and five touchdowns for the Cleveland Browns, earning another Pro Bowl nod.
Although Cooper’s 2024 numbers—44 catches for 547 yards and four touchdowns—were career lows, they came during a season where he only played 14 games and dealt with significant quarterback instability in Cleveland. With his age (30) and diminished production last year, Cooper might be available at a discount. Spotrac projects his market value at $28.5 million over a two-year deal, which could be a reasonable price for a team looking to add experience and reliability.
Over his career, Cooper has amassed 711 receptions, 10,000+ receiving yards, and 64 touchdowns, making him one of the NFL’s most productive receivers of the past decade. He achieved immediate success as a rookie in 2015, earning a Pro Bowl nod with the then-Oakland Raiders, and followed it up with another in 2016. His time with the Dallas Cowboys in 2018 and 2019 further solidified his reputation as one of the league’s top receivers.
George Pickens Pushes Back Against Trade Rumors
While adding Cooper makes sense from a football perspective, the decision is complicated by swirling trade rumors surrounding George Pickens. Speculation about the Steelers potentially trading their young star has grown as he approaches the end of his rookie deal. However, Pickens appears intent on staying in Pittsburgh.
On January 22, Pickens responded to a trade proposal suggesting the Steelers send him to the Washington Commanders for a 2025 second-round pick. Posting on Instagram, Pickens wrote, “These pages are not in the building. Or any facility. Just stop lying for clicks and views my brotha,” followed by an eyebrow-raising emoji.
This public rebuttal indicates Pickens’ preference to remain with the Steelers. While trade rumors are an unavoidable part of the NFL, Pickens’ strong response may sway the organization toward keeping him and instead signing Cooper as a complementary piece rather than a replacement.
Steelers’ Salary Cap and Free Agency Outlook
The Steelers are projected to have approximately $43 million in salary cap space this offseason, ranking 15th in the NFL as of January 23. This financial flexibility puts them in a solid position to make moves, including signing a veteran like Cooper. Additionally, the team could create more cap space through strategic roster cuts, though a significant portion of their budget will likely go toward securing a starting quarterback.
By adding Amari Cooper, the Steelers would address several key needs in their receiving corps. His presence could not only help mentor Pickens but also alleviate the defensive pressure on the young star, creating a more balanced and effective offense. With Cooper’s veteran leadership, Pittsburgh could solidify its passing attack and make a strong push in the competitive AFC North.
As the offseason unfolds, the Steelers’ approach to their wide receiver situation—whether by pursuing Amari Cooper or addressing the speculation surrounding George Pickens—will be a storyline to watch closely.
Steelers Tabbed Best Spot for $100 Million WR as George Pickens Addresses Future
