Steelers running low on options to replace WR Diontae Johnson

The Steelers have been very active to begin the offseason, but most of their additions have been on the defensive side of the ball. Pickups include the likes of linebacker Patrick Queen, cornerback Donte Jackson and safety DeShon Elliott.

As part of the trade that brought in Jackson from the Panthers, Pittsburgh dealt wideout Diontae Johnson, who has been the team's No. 1 option the past few years. Whether or not he wanted to be traded, the Steelers must now replace that production.

And the opportunities to add another wide receiver seem to be drying up,

On Thursday night, two more of the top available free-agent wide receivers were taken off the market as the Buffalo Bills signed Curtis Samuel and the Kansas City Chiefs agreed to terms with Marquise Brown.

There are still a few marquee names available such as Mike Williams, Odell Beckham Jr. and Tyler Boyd, but Pittsburgh must act fast with several other teams still looking to bolster their wide receiver rooms.

Boyd seems to be the favorite since he grew up in Clairton, Pa., and played collegiate ball at Pittsburgh.

On Wednesday, The Athletic's Mark Kaboly revealed that the Steelers and Boyd have "mutual interest" and have had dialogue about him returning to his hometown, but added there is "nothing imminent."

Time is of the essence for the Steelers.

Pittsburgh still has about $15.8 million in cap space, per Over The Cap, which is plenty of funds to land the former Bengals wide receiver.

The Steelers signed quarterback Russell Wilson to a one-year, $1.21 million contract for one reason — to win a championship. The quarterback room will never be cheaper for Pittsburgh, and brass must take advantage of the extra spending money.

Yes, the 2024 NFL Draft is rich with wide receiver talent and the Steelers may well bring in a promising rookie, but they would be wise to add a capable veteran in free agency as well. 

And the sooner, the better.