Between free agency, a trade and the 2025 NFL draft, there’s no excuse for the Pittsburgh Steelers to go into the 2025 season with a substandard group of wide receivers like they did in 2024. Of all those options, we ranked our six favorites while remaining realistic, especially in terms of the draft. This list includes two free agents, two trades and two rookies.
Tee Higgins
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (85) runs with a catch before being brought down inside the one yard line by Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback James Pierre (42) in the fourth quarter of the NFL Week 12 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paul Brown Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, Nov. 28, 2021. The Bengals beat the Steelers 41-10.
Pittsburgh Steelers At Cincinnati Bengals
If there’s a player you overpay for in hopes he will come to the Steelers, it is Higgins. He immediately makes the offense better but we aren’t sure he’d want to come to a team with a questionable quarterback situation.
Chris Godwin
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – OCTOBER 16: Chris Godwin #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs the ball against Robert Spillane #41 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half at Acrisure Stadium on October 16, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Godwin missed 10 games last season and is the forgotten free agent. But in the three previous seasons, Godwin had a total of 285 receptions. He’s a burner who can do much more than just run a go route and is a perfect pairing with George Pickens.
Luther Burden III
Nov 30, 2024; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers wide receiver Luther Burden III (3) catches a pass for a two point conversion against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the second half at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
It’s probably 50/50 if Missouri star Luther Burden III is on the board in the first round but if he is, we want to see the Steelers pick him. He can do a little of everything in terms of routes but really dominates in the short and intermediate routes where he’s so dangerous after the catch.
Deebo Samuel
Jan 8, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel (19) runs after a catch against the Arizona Cardinals during the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
The Steelers were interested in Deebo Samuel last season and should be again. He’s still got plenty of good football in him and I don’t see his trade value being quite as expensive as the other potential trade option on this list.
Emeka Egbuka
Jan 20, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (2) against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the CFP National Championship college football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Maybe the most realistic option for the Steelers to upgrade at wide receiver is to select Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka. He’s an elite blocker and really excels working the middle of the field as a sure-handed receiver.
Cooper Kupp
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – JANUARY 13: Cooper Kupp #10 of the Los Angeles Rams warms up prior to the game against the Minnesota Vikings during the NFC Wild Card Playoff at State Farm Stadium on January 13, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
Keep in mind, just because Kupp is sixth here doesn’t mean we don’t want him on the Steelers. He would be a tremendous addition just like all the players on this list. He only comes in at the bottom because of potential trade costs and contract.
