The Pittsburgh Steelers are very clearly in the market for a wide receiver. In the 2024 season, they had one of the worst wide receiver rooms in the NFL. Thanks to George Pickens, however, they were able to stay competitive. The Steelers clearly relied way too much on Pickens' greatness, and that cost them in 2024. Now, the Steelers must make big moves in the free agent market to upgrade that room.
The Tee Higgins dream feels way out of reach, but there are other options. One option that hasn’t been connected to the Steelers at all is Houston Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs. Diggs was seen as one of the best wide receivers in the NFL, but coming off an ACL injury and with his loud personality, he has kept the Steelers out of many talks about bringing him in. However, for the first time recently, Diggs was connected to Pittsburgh.
Mike Renner was speaking to Kyle Long on the Pushing The Pile Podcast, where he revealed why he believes the Steelers might sign Diggs. Renner pointed to the Steelers' current desperation at wide receiver and their need for a veteran presence who could elevate the room immediately. While concerns about Diggs' personality and injury history are valid, if the Steelers could secure him on a team-friendly deal, it could be a game-changer for their offense.
"The team that I highlighted, Pittsburgh Steelers, as a potential landing spot [for Stefon Diggs], obviously with what they've been able to do reigning in vocal wide receivers, shall we say," Renner said. "So, one of the few places that I think would take them [is Pittsburgh]. I just don't think a lot of places you're like beating down the door for a 31-year-old guy who's been ran out of town at two different stops already."
Last offseason, the Texans traded fifth-and sixth-round picks to the Buffalo Bills for Diggs. After the trade, both sides agreed to void the final three years of his contract, setting him up to become a free agent in 2025. Diggs was brought to the Texans on a one-year deal, joining a stacked offense and a loaded wide receiver room. Unfortunately, he suffered an ACL injury after playing eight games, cutting his 2024 season short. Despite the setback, Diggs still managed 47 receptions, 496 receiving yards, and three touchdowns before the injury ended his year.
What’s particularly interesting about Diggs is that the Texans don’t appear eager to part ways with him. Texans General Manager Nick Caserio has stated he is "absolutely open" to Diggs returning in 2025. With a market value of $13.5 million, the Steelers likely wouldn’t face much difficulty signing him at that cost, making him a potentially viable option for their wide receiver room.
Steelers Would Be Taking A Huge Risk With Stefon Diggs
The main concern with signing Diggs is how he would pair personality-wise with Pickens. Both players are fiery competitors, and at times, their maturity and attitude have been questioned. However, putting them together could have major boom potential, both in terms of their talent and their personalities. While there’s significant risk in signing Diggs, it's an intriguing possibility that could benefit Pittsburgh at an affordable cost.
Diggs is coming off a serious injury at this stage in his career, which is concerning. But the Steelers may be desperate enough to explore the idea of signing the 31 year old wide receiver. This move would likely spark a range of reactions from Steelers fans, with many offering conflicting opinions.
As the 2025 offseason grows older, Pittsburgh fans will continue to learn more about their team’s outlook and whether a move like this could become a reality. All eyes are on Steelers General Manager Omar Khan as the team continues their search to upgrade the wide receiver room.
