The Pittsburgh Steelers are in need of some upgrades. We already saw the inside linebacker group get improved, as well as two solid offensive line options get brought in. Pittsburgh walked away from the first week of free agency by improving two of their weak spots with new faces. Could another signing be coming before the NFL Draft in April?
Former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky wants to see Odell Beckham Jr. in Pittsburgh. Orlovsky talked about Odell and the potential fit for the Steelers Monday morning on the show Get Up on ESPN. Here are his main thoughts on Odell and Pittsburgh:
“You add Odell, now we’re talking about an offense that’s got weapons and actual firepower.”
Signing Odell would add him to a wide receiver room of George Pickens and Diontae Johnson to make a top-tier trio for Kenny Pickett to throw to. Anthony Miller and Calvin Austin III would round out the top five at the position. Austin, the Memphis speedster selected in last year’s draft, could be the deciding factor if Pittsburgh pursues Odell.
Would The Steelers Be Interested In Odell?
After not playing a single snap in his first season last year, how confident are the Steelers going into 2023 with Austin as their number three receiver? Signing Odell would guarantee Pickett three top-tier pass catchers. Austin is still a wildcard who hasn’t had the opportunity to play an NFL game yet. Bringing in Odell could take some pressure off Austin and allow him time to develop under him. With Steven Sims visiting with the Houston Texans on Monday, he is more than likely not playing for Pittsburgh in 2023, which adds another spot to fill.
Pittsburgh seems to always find good receivers in the draft. If they believe in their scouting ability again this year, they could pass on paying Beckham and draft yet another wideout. Some fans like the idea of reuniting Jordan Addison with Pickett, but the Steelers might find their gem in the later rounds. However, with potentially more cuts coming, that could free up more money to make a splash. Also having Pickett on his rookie deal could allow them to splurge on the best available receiver on the market.
Reports were flowing that Beckham wanted $20 million a year. Odell used Twitter to discuss his thoughts on his future contract, saying he doesn't know where that quote came from. He did say that $4 million wasn’t enough, which is obvious. Odell is likely to sign a 1-year deal around $10-13 million, but teams are skeptical about his injury. Beckham made sure to post some videos to show his progress, where the injury doesn't appear to be bothering him.
Odell was healthy for five of his first six seasons, surpassing 1,000 yards in all five. He had a down year in 2020, only playing seven games for the Browns. In 2021 he was traded mid-season to the Rams, who he helped win a Super Bowl. After missing all of 2022 to an ACL injury, he looks to be back to form and highly motivated. And as Aaron Rodgers said, "Who wouldn’t want Odell on their team?"
Would you like to see Odell on the Steelers?
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