Steelers predicted to spend $47 million on pair of free-agent wide receivers

Improving the wide receivers room is one of the top priorities for the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason.

Pittsburgh's room has been one of the worst in the NFL the past two seasons and that simply cannot continue if the Steelers want to be more than a one-and-done playoff team.

Behind The Steel Curtain's Jarrett Bailey predicts the Steelers will spend a $47 million on a pair of veteran free-agent wide receivers in Rashid Shaheed and Christian Kirk.

Bailey projects a three-year, $42.3 million deal for Shaheed, and a one-year, $5.3 million contract for Kirk.

"Shaheed is one of the best home run hitters in the NFL. Including playoffs, he had three return touchdowns in the 2025 season (two kickoffs, one punt), and he has an 87-yard receiving touchdown this season, as well," Bailey said. "His speed is something the Steelers have been missing, as is his return ability."

"Kirk didn’t have the greatest regular season, but he torched the Steelers in the wild card round. A one-year deal for the veteran to be the team’s top slot receiver could bring positive results," Bailey added.

Shaheed is one of the most explosive players in the NFL, both as a wide receiver and returner. He would offer the Steelers an upgrade in more ways than one.

Kirk is a "meh" suggestion for the Steelers, but not a bad one.

Granted, he hasn't done much in recent years, but he showed he's still got some gas in the tank after his outstanding performance against the Steelers in the playoffs, when he ripped off 144 yards and a touchdown on eight catches.

Pittsburgh needs more depth behind DK Metcalf and whoever they bring in as their No. 2 receiver, so we don't hate the idea of adding Kirk as a complementary piece.

While we would like to see the Steelers make a bigger splash than Shaheed for their No. 2 wide receiver spot, we would be content with the electric playmaker serving as Metcalf's top running mate.

More NFL news

• NFL insider leaves door open for Aaron Rodgers to ditch Steelers for Vikings
• Klint Kubiak-Raiders rumors are bad news for Seahawks' coaching staff
• Raiders insider reveals what pushed Klint Kubiak hire past the finish line
• Dak Prescott puts pressure on Cowboys to make move Dallas should avoid
• Raiders linked to high-profile coach for defensive coordinator opening