Steelers and Broncos named possible suitors for $94 million big-play wide receiver originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Pittsburgh Steelers and Denver Broncos have a common need this offseason: wide receiver.
The Steeler have neglected the wide receiver position in each of the last two years and that has played a major role in the team’s inconsistency and overall lackluster showing on offense. DK Metcalf needs more help, plain and simple.
Denver’s wide receivers room needs more experience behind Courtland Sutton, and preferably someone who can also stretch the field.
Thanks to their needs at wide receiver, Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox named both teams as potential suitors for Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce.
Knox predicts Pierce will command a four-year, $94 million contract in free agency.
Teams love receivers who can stretch the field, generate big plays, and create holes in underneath coverage. Pierce, who has led the league in yards per catch in back-to-back seasons, fits that mold.
Given Pierce’s age and skill set, he should expect a deal in the annual range of teammate Michael Pittman Jr.’s contract.
Potential Suitors: Denver Broncos, Pittsburgh Steelers
Pierce is coming off his best season as a pro.
He broke the 1,000-yard mark for the first time in his career and finished with the highest yards per catch total in the NFL once again, cementing himself as an elite big-play receiver.
The Colts are no doubt interested in keeping Pierce, but it’s possible the 25-year-old will be interested in testing the market to get the best deal possible.
If that happens, the Colts will have a tough time keeping him, as Pierce will be highly-coveted in free agency as one of the top options on the open market.
Pierce would be a great fit for both the Steelers and Broncos.
He would be an excellent No. 2 option opposite Sutton or Metcalf and would add a much-needed explosive element in the passing attack.
Pittsburgh has an advantage over Denver because of its superior cap space situation that sees the Steelers having about $16 million more to spend.
However, the Broncos don’t have as many holes to fill up and down their roster as the Steelers do, so Denver can easily afford a big contract for Pierce.
If we had to choose between the two teams, we would say the Broncos are more likely to land Pierce than the Steelers. But we also believe the Colts are the most likely landing spot for the big-play wideout.
