The Pittsburgh Steelers' 2025 offseason is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing in recent memory. With rumors already circulating and expected to ramp up as the offseason progresses, all eyes will be on the team's key decisions. While the quarterback position understandably takes center stage, right behind it is the Steelers' wide receiver room.
In the 2024 season, Steelers General Manager Omar Khan made a concerted effort to shake things up at wide receiver, but despite his efforts, the only major addition was veteran Mike Williams. That move, while notable, hasn't fully addressed the clear need for help opposite George Pickens. As impressive as Pickens is, the team relied too heavily on his ability to carry the load in the passing game, and it became evident that the Steelers need more depth and star power in their wide receiver corps.
The Steelers have been linked to several top free agent wide receivers, with two names standing out: Tee Higgins and Chris Godwin. Both players offer exciting potential, but they come with hefty price tags. Tyler Brooke, an NFL analyst with The 33rd Team, recently named the Steelers as a perfect fit for Chris Godwin in 2025.
"Some of the reasons why Godwin makes sense for Washington also apply to the Pittsburgh Steelers," Brooke said. "That's not talking about Pittsburgh's quarterback situation, but pairing Godwin with a deep-threat outside receiver. George Pickens thrives in those situations, but the lack of firepower on the rest of the Steelers' offense has allowed opponents to shut down their No. 1 option, leading to frustration and a lack of explosive plays and points on the board."
With the right contract terms, Godwin could help solidify the wide receiver room and give Pickens the support he needs to reach his full potential.
Whether the Steelers go big for Higgins or pivot to Godwin, the wide receiver position will undoubtedly be one of the most fascinating storylines to follow this offseason.
"Pittsburgh's biggest offseason question is what it plans on doing at the quarterback position," Brooke said. "However, regardless of what the Steelers do at quarterback, they need to add some more firepower to the offense. They have more than $40 million in cap space and have hit on enough draft picks that they have some young contributors to build around if they can find the right quarterback."
The Steelers currently have approximately $55.7 million in available cap space, which puts them in a strong position to address key needs, including finding the right quarterback and surrounding him with additional weapons.
Adding a player like Godwin would be a perfect fit alongside Pickens, creating a dynamic duo that could significantly elevate their offense. With ample cap flexibility, the Steelers have the potential to make a major move that strengthens both the quarterback position and the receiving corps.
Steelers Have Exciting Options At WR In The Free Agent Market
Godwin, while coming off a significant injury, is considered the more affordable option of the two. His market value is estimated at $22.5 million per year, according to Spotrac, making him a somewhat easier fit for the Steelers' cap space. However, there’s always a risk associated with players recovering from major injuries, and Godwin's situation is no exception.
On the other hand, Higgins is projected to command $25.4 million annually, a price that may be worth paying for a true number one option. But with teams like the Cincinnati Bengals likely pushing for a deal and other contenders potentially in the mix, his price tag could escalate quickly, making the move much more expensive. If the bidding war drives Higgins out of the Steelers' range, Godwin could emerge as an excellent fallback option.
