All of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ pass catchers with contracts through 2024 are those who had more than three receptions in the previous campaign. However, Joe Tansey of Bleacher Report continued to support the Steelers’ pursuit of veteran receiver Noah Brown in NFL free agency on February 14.
“A physical possession-based wide receiver who can complement [Diontae] Johnson and [George] Pickens would be useful to the Steelers,” Tansey wrote.
“Noah Brown’s 6’2”, 215-pound frame fits that description.
“Brown would enable [Pat] Freiermuth to be one of Pickett’s trusted options across the middle and he could relieve some of the pressure on Johnson and Pickens when it comes to wide receiver production.”
In 2023, Brown was not just physically strong but also a big-play machine for the Houston Texans. With two touchdowns, he recorded 33 receptions for 567 yards, an average of a career-high 17.2 yards per reception.
How Noah Brown Would Fit with the Pittsburgh Steelers Diontae Johnson, a wide receiver, and Pat Freiermuth, a tight end, both had 2023 seasons marred by injuries. Nevertheless, in terms of yards, each finished among the team’s top four pass catchers.
George Pickens had the most receptions for the squad (1,140 yards) at 63.
Pitt had a big-play threat in Pickens, who averaged 18.1 yards per reception. He is expected to stay in that capacity for Arthur Smith’s offensive in the upcoming campaign. However, Brown might make a good addition as a complementary target to provide another option outside the middle of the field.
Under former offensive coordinator Matt Canada, the Steelers did not make adequate advantage of the space between the hash markers. Freiermuth missed five games in 2023, which contributed to it. Throughout the season, backup tight ends Darnell Washington and Connor Heyward combined for just 30 catches for 228 yards and no touchdowns.
Although Brown is clearly a receiver, Pittsburgh’s intermediate passing offense may benefit greatly from his physicality, particularly when it comes to sending the ball over the middle of the field.
Brown has 115 catches for 1,547 yards and five touchdowns in six NFL seasons. In 2022, he recorded 43 receptions for 555 yards and 3 touchdowns, which was his greatest season.
It is obvious that Brown can be a successful possession receiver as well as a big-play threat for an offense. Prior to his breakthrough yards per catch season in the previous season, he averaged 12.9 yards per reception with the Dallas Cowboys in 2022.
Brown Is a Reasonably Priced Alternative to WR Allen Robinson?
On February 12, the Steelers cut punter Pressley Harvin III, right tackle Chukwuma Okorfor, and quarterback Mitch Trubisky. However, given that the team is still more than $4 million above the salary ceiling, additional trades are probably on the horizon, according to Spotrac.
Allen Robinson, a wide receiver, is Pittsburgh’s next clear cut candidate. Cutting the 30-year-old receiver, who only had 280 receiving yards in 2023, might save the Steelers $10 million.
In a fan chat on February 14, Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette stated that he anticipates Robinson being released by the Steelers. Dulac did, however, leave open the chance that Allen will accept a new deal that gives him “a whole lot less money.”
In the event that the Steelers renegotiate Robinson’s deal, Brown won’t likely be able to play for Pittsburgh. For 2024, the Steelers have Robinson back at receiver along with Johnson, Pickens, and Calvin Austin.
If the Steelers decide to cut Robinson in order to save the entire $10 million, Brown would be a great choice to take Robinson’s place. Robinson is thirty years old.
Based on a two-year contract, Pro Football Focus estimated that Brown’s market worth is $7 million. Additionally, PFF projected that Brown would earn a guaranteed $3.75 million, with an average salary of $3.5 million year.
It’s a really cheap bargain, which is important to know about the Steelers. Pittsburgh probably wants to spend as much cap room as it can to take care of the offensive line, inside linebacker, and quarterback positions, among other important roster needs.
