With 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers under center, the Pittsburgh Steelers are going all-in on the 2025 NFL season. After trading away George Pickens and bringing in DK Metcalf, the team is still searching for the right combination of talent to round out its wide receiver room.
Why Are the Pittsburgh Steelers Still Looking for Wide Receiver Help?
The Steelers have left no stone unturned in their quest to surround Rodgers with more talent. In late June, the team traded for 2024 Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith from the Miami Dolphins in the same deal that netted them former All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey.
They have also been poking around on WR2s, hoping to improve on current in-house options such as Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson, and Robert Woods. The team could explore outside options with Wilson coming off an injury-riddled rookie season and Austin still developing.
The Steelers have been linked to free agent Allen Lazard, who followed Rodgers to New York after a successful stint together in Green Bay. However, one publication thinks they should pivot to another available free agent, calling them an “ideal landing spot” for five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Amari Cooper.
What Makes Amari Cooper an Ideal Fit for the Steelers?
“With Metcalf now in the mix, the Steelers have a physical WR1 who can win downfield,” said Joshua Watt of NFL Spin Zone. “What the team is missing is a consistent route technician, preferably someone who can work underneath and find soft spots in zone coverage. Cooper fits the mold nicely and would ease the burden on Metcalf.”
Cooper, 31, is still a free agent and could be a cost-effective addition for the Steelers. Although he’s coming off a disappointing 2024 season, there is reason to believe he can regain some of his previous form.
The veteran wide receiver has earned over $135 million during his 10-year NFL career. He has surpassed the 1,000-yard receiving mark in seven seasons and made the Pro Bowl in 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, and 2023.
However, Cooper is coming off the least productive season of his career. After being traded mid-season from the Cleveland Browns to the Buffalo Bills, he struggled to find his rhythm in either offense, finishing the season with career lows in receptions (44), receiving yards (547), and receiving touchdowns (4).
While there are concerns that injuries and age may have diminished Cooper’s once-elite skills, he remains a worthwhile gamble for a team committed to going all-in on the 2025 season. He could be the missing piece needed to enhance the passing game and support Rodgers in what is expected to be his final NFL campaign.
