The Pittsburgh Steelers have added veteran receiver Van Jefferson to their roster, but indications suggest they are not finished bolstering their wide receiver corps. Tyler Boyd of the Cincinnati Bengals is reportedly their top target in free agency. However, should Boyd sign elsewhere, the Steelers may turn their attention to another divisional rival’s wideout, Odell Beckham Jr., as per The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo.
Considering Beckham’s potential availability, acquiring him could serve multiple purposes for the Steelers. Not only would it strengthen their receiving corps, but it would also diminish a key threat from the AFC North’s top seed in 2023, the Baltimore Ravens.
Despite Beckham’s relatively modest production in 2023 with 35 receptions, he maximized his opportunities, tallying 565 receiving yards and averaging a career-best 16.1 yards per catch. Additionally, he contributed three touchdowns and made a significant impact in the locker room, as noted by The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebeic.
Given Beckham’s role as the second-leading receiver for the Ravens last season, his potential addition would fill the Steelers’ need for a reliable No. 2 receiver to complement George Pickens, especially following the trade of Diontae Johnson on March 12.
Could Steelers Sign WR Odell Beckham Jr.?
Odell Beckham Jr. hasn’t replicated the All-Pro or Pro Bowl caliber performance he showcased during his early years with the New York Giants, notably leading the NFL in receiving yards per game as a rookie a decade ago. However, in the 2023 season, Beckham demonstrated his ability to still contribute as a receiver on a successful team. His average of 16.1 yards per catch marked a return to form, surpassing the 15-yard per reception threshold for the first time since 2015.
During his standout 2015 campaign, Beckham recorded a career-high 1,450 receiving yards along with 13 touchdowns. Nevertheless, entering the 2024 season at 31 years old, questions linger about whether Beckham can maintain such efficiency and production, particularly considering his history of injuries over recent seasons. While he remained healthy last season, his injury track record could raise concerns for NFL teams eyeing him in free agency, especially given his inability to play 14 games in consecutive seasons since 2015-16.
For the Pittsburgh Steelers, who are in need of a veteran presence to complement George Pickens in their receiving corps, Beckham represents a potential target. Currently, Van Jefferson occupies the No. 2 receiver role for the Steelers based on his 2023 production, but his output of 20 catches for 209 receiving yards last season underscores the team’s need for additional receiving firepower.
Will Previous Mike Tomlin Comment Impact Beckham’s Potential Interest in Steelers?
Assuming the Steelers are interested in signing Beckham, it will be interesting to watch if Mike Tomlin’s apparent mocking of the receiver in 2019 has an affect on his desire in coming to Pittsburgh.
In a July 2019 interview, Tomlin faked to yawn when asked about having to face Beckham twice a year after joining the Cleveland Browns.
In November 2019, Beckham told the Cleveland Plain-Dealer that he felt humiliated by the “fake yawn.”
Beckham stated that he spoke with Tomlin about the “disrespect.”
“I said ‘you disrespected me,'” Beckham stated. “I stated, ‘You know who I am.’ And he said, “I know who you are.” That’s why we’re tripling your entire game, and this and that.
“We just talked. There has never been a problem between me and my coach. “We were just talking s***.”
Given that Tomlin’s “fake-yawn” interview occurred over five years ago, it may not be a critical point for Beckham this offseason. During the 2019 game, the receiver and coach may have settled their differences.
If Beckham still carries a grudge, a better financial offer from the Steelers might officially eliminate any leftover animosity.
Leave a Reply