Other possible additions, such as a veteran starting cornerback, has taken some attention away from any potential wide receiver pursuit the Pittsburgh Steelers could make this summer. But that doesn’t mean the Steelers aren’t still prioritizing adding another wideout. One possibility is veteran Odell Beckham Jr.
On June 25, CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin named the Steelers one of four teams that are potential “best fits” for Beckham in what could be his “last ride” in the NFL. Benjamin also labeled the Cincinnati Bengals, New York Giants and New York Jets.
“The Steelers have DK Metcalf as a legitimate No. 1 wideout for Rodgers, but all indications are they’re still exploring additional weaponry after dealing George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys,” Benjamin wrote. “Beckham may not be the standout he once was, but he’s also been on Rodgers’ radar for years; the Green Bay Packers reportedly tried to land Beckham to pair with A-Rod during the 2021 season, and Rodgers admitted later that he had interest in Beckham following him to the Jets ahead of the 2022 campaign.
“On a one-year deal, why not make the dream pairing happen now?”
Beckham has made second-team All-Pro twice in his NFL career. Over 11 years in the league, Beckham has posted 575 catches, 7,987 receiving yards and 59 touchdowns.
Benjamin called Beckham “one of the league’s most acrobatic pass catchers of his time.”
Steelers Remaining Need at WR2
As Benjamin explained, the Steelers remain a candidate to add a receiver this summer because although they acquired DK Metcalf, the team traded George Pickens.
Veteran Robert Woods, who had only 203 receiving yards last season, could start opposite Metcalf in Week 1. Receivers Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson are expected to compete for snaps in the slot.
The rest of Pittsburgh’s receiving corps is veteran receivers past their prime or unproven, inexperienced youngsters.
The Steelers brought back both Ben Skowronek and Scotty Miller this offseason. Skowronek is a much bigger special teams contributor than on offense.
Brandon Johnson, Lance McCutcheon, Roc Taylor, Ke’Shawn Williams and Montana Lemonious-Craig are the other wideouts on Pittsburgh’s offseason roster.
If the Steelers are serious about contending with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the team may need to find one more passing target for the 4-time MVP. Beckham could be that receiver, pushing Woods for the other starting receiver role.
Why the Steelers Shouldn’t Pursue Odell Beckham Jr.
While Benjamin hyped the 32-year-old receiver, he also seemingly argued why the Steelers, or any other team, shouldn’t add Beckham this summer.
Beckham hasn’t played a full season in six years because of injuries. While he’s been serviceable at times, like when he played for the Los Angeles Rams and Baltimore Ravens, Beckham’s play appears trending in the wrong direction.
Last season, he made just nine catches for 55 yards, averaging 6.1 yards per reception, in nine games with the Miami Dolphins. On December 13, Beckham and the Dolphins mutually agreed to part ways.
The Steelers could use a receiver upgrade, but there should be serious questions about what Beckham has left in the tank.
Beckham’s last 1,000-yard season was with the Cleveland Browns in 2019. He hasn’t made the Pro Bowl or All-Pro squad since 2016.
While Beckham doesn’t need to be a Pro Bowler or a 1,000-yard receiver to be a contributor in 2025, if the Steelers add a wideout this summer, it should be one who could start. Beckham might not move the needle for Pittsburgh at all because he isn’t an obvious upgrade over Woods.
