The NFL offseason is in full swing, and the Washington Commanders made a significant move by acquiring Deebo Samuel from the San Francisco 49ers for a fifth-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. This trade not only provides the Commanders with a versatile, high-caliber receiver, but it should also catalyze the Pittsburgh Steelers to pursue free-agent wide receiver Chris Godwin.
With the Steelers desperately searching for a veteran presence to pair with emerging star George Pickens, Godwin represents the perfect opportunity to enhance their receiving corps and take a step toward becoming serious contenders.
Throughout the 2024 campaign, it became painfully clear that the Steelers’ offense lacked the balance and playmaking ability necessary to compete in a high-powered NFL. Despite Pickens showing flashes of brilliance, he cannot carry the entire load.
The team’s desire for a “Robin” to complement “Batman” was evident, and the pursuit of top-tier veterans like Brandon Aiyuk, Cooper Kupp, and Amari Cooper highlighted the urgency for help. However, none of those options came to fruition, leaving Pittsburgh’s front office to reevaluate their next move.
With the Commanders securing a proven, versatile weapon like Deebo Samuel, it’s time for the Steelers to follow suit. They need a player who can complement Pickens and also elevate the offense. Chris Godwin is that player.
Godwin, a former Penn State standout, has been a consistent force in the NFL, particularly in the last three seasons, where he recorded over 1,000 yards in each campaign. While his 2024 season was plagued by injuries, his track record shows he is dynamic and reliable.
Chris Godwin is the last chance for the Pittsburgh Steelers to acquire a valuable veteran WR
Godwin possesses exceptional ball-tracking skills, physicality, and excellent route-running ability. Although he’s often played behind Mike Evans in Tampa Bay, Godwin’s ability to stand out and make plays on his own makes him an ideal fit for a team like the Steelers, who need a reliable veteran presence opposite Pickens.
The biggest question surrounding Godwin is his health following his injury-riddled 2024 campaign. However, given his impressive resume and the uncertainty surrounding the rest of the free-agent receiver market, Godwin remains the best available option for the Steelers to pursue.
His skill set makes him an immediate upgrade to Pittsburgh’s offense, and if healthy, he has the potential to take the receiving corps to new heights.
Should the Steelers secure Godwin’s services, it would allow them to shift their focus in the 2025 NFL Draft. Instead of using the 21st overall pick on a wide receiver, Pittsburgh could address other pressing needs, such as acquiring a defensive lineman to prepare for the eventual retirement of Cameron Heyward or selecting a running back to add more diversity to their offensive attack.
Adding Godwin would provide the Steelers with a proven weapon while allowing them to maximize their draft capital on other crucial areas of their roster.
The Steelers can’t afford to wait on Godwin, just as they missed out on Deebo Samuel. If they hesitate too long, another team may swoop in and sign him, leaving Pittsburgh scrambling for alternatives.
Godwin could be the difference-maker that propels the Steelers’ offense from mediocre to dynamic, and the time to act is now.
