Analyst says Steelers should make 'responsible' WR signing, not trade

The Steelers have been rumored to be in the trade market for a veteran wide receiver since trading Diontae Johnson to the Panthers earlier this offseason.

However, with the other 31 teams putting the finishing touches on their 2024 rosters, asking prices for such playmakers may not be ideal.

That's why ESPN's Brooke Pryor believes it would be smart of Pittsburgh to add to its room via free agency instead, and it just so happens a talented wide receiver was recently released.

"Adding someone like [Zay] Jones, who is talented, is a free agent now because he's been released," Pryor said on "The Joe Starkey Show." "You don't have to give up draft capital or another vet, something like that to get him. That feels much more responsible and plausible."

Jones was surprisingly cut by the Jaguars on Tuesday. He's not a flashy name, but Pryor thinks he could still be quite the sneaky addition.

"I don't see the rationale of using a high pick like that, yes it's a day two pick," Pryor added. "But that's still a valuable pick on a receiver when you know that you're working on this big deal for a veteran wide receiver."

Jones should have several suitors on the open market after registering 116 catches for 1,144 yards and seven touchdowns in the past two seasons.

If the Steelers don't want to lose out on landing the 29-year-old, they better act fast.

Pittsburgh needs a better No. 2 option than Van Jefferson to play opposite George Pickens, but if the season were to start today, Jefferson would likely get the nod.

The Steelers drafted wide receiver Roman Wilson in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, but it would be ideal for him to play primarily out of the slot in his rookie year.

It seems general manager Omar Khan wants to make one last splash before the start of the season, but Jones would still be an upgrade at no extra cost.

Pittsburgh must determine when it needs to give up on trading for a higher-caliber playmaker. Pryor believes the sooner the better.