Targeting Noah Brown: A Solution to the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Passing Woes

In the realm of NFL free agency, the Pittsburgh Steelers are eyeing veteran wide receiver Noah Brown as a potential addition to their roster, despite retaining all pass catchers who had more than three receptions in the previous season. Joe Tansey of Bleacher Report advocates for Brown’s acquisition, citing the team’s need for a physical possession-based receiver to complement Diontae Johnson and George Pickens.

Standing at 6’2″ and weighing 215 pounds, Brown fits the bill perfectly with his imposing frame. His versatility as a big-play threat was evident during his tenure with the Houston Texans in 2023, where he amassed 567 yards on 33 receptions, boasting a career-high average of 17.2 yards per catch, along with two touchdowns.

Brown’s potential impact on the Steelers’ offense is significant, particularly in alleviating the pressure on Johnson and Pickens, while also providing quarterback Kenny Pickett with another reliable target across the middle. His physicality and knack for making plays in the intermediate passing game could rejuvenate Pittsburgh’s aerial attack, which often lacked potency in that area under the previous offensive coordinator.

Notably, injuries hampered the production of key players like Johnson and tight end Pat Freiermuth in the 2023 season. Despite this, both remained among the team’s top four pass catchers in terms of yardage. With George Pickens emerging as the primary deep threat, Brown’s arrival could bolster the Steelers’ offensive arsenal, particularly in the intermediate passing game, an area where they have been lacking.

Furthermore, Brown’s affordability makes him an attractive option for the Steelers, who are currently grappling with salary cap constraints. With projections placing his market value at $7 million over a two-year contract, Brown presents a cost-effective solution to potentially replace underperforming receiver Allen Robinson. Should the Steelers opt to part ways with Robinson and capitalize on the $10 million in savings, Brown could seamlessly slot into the roster, offering a blend of reliability and affordability.

In a league where roster management and salary cap optimization are paramount, securing Brown’s services could prove instrumental for the Steelers as they seek to address key roster needs while navigating financial constraints. His proven track record as both a big-play threat and a possession receiver makes him a valuable commodity in today’s NFL landscape, and his potential addition to the Steelers’ lineup could inject much-needed dynamism into their passing game.