Already going all-in on the 2025 season, the Steelers are predicted to make one more move by signing WR Keenan Allen.
The Pittsburgh Steelers‘ offense was in major need of a facelift this offseason. That’s exactly what it got, as quarterback Aaron Rodgers is in town and he has a couple of new weapons around him to throw to.
With that said, this is a unit that still isn’t viewed as one of the best in the NFL. There’s room for improvement at the receiver position, specifically, despite DK Metcalf being traded for. Pittsburgh gave up George Pickens in a separate move, meaning it’s a wash from a depth chart perspective.
As training camp approaches, one prediction is calling for another wideout being added. In a story for Bleacher Report, Moe Moton made the bold prediction that free agent Keenan Allen will join the “win-now” Steelers for camp.
Steelers Predicted to Remain in Win-Now Mode, Sign Keenan Allen
According to Moton, Allen can still play good football. Not only that, but he’d be a good fit with the assortment of playmakers the Steelers currently have.
“The Steelers should make another move for a wide receiver to help Rodgers,” Moton wrote. “Keenan Allen could fit within their receiver rotation. Allen is capable of lining up on the perimeter or the inside, allowing him to coexist with Calvin Austin III, who made big plays out of the slot last season. In 2024, Allen finished second on the Chicago Bears in catches (70) and receiving yards (744) and led the team in touchdown receptions (seven), showing he can still play at a high level. With Metcalf and Austin as the big-play receivers, Allen would be the trusted chain-mover in the Steelers’ revamped passing attack.”
Allen, now 33 years old, had a resurgence in his final year with the Los Angeles Chargers. He seems to have left his Pro Bowl form there, though, as his cameo in Chicago didn’t go overwhelmingly well. Despite playing 71 more snaps, Allen saw declines in yards per reception (11.5 to 10.6), yards per target (8.3 to 6.1), success rate (58.7% to 47.1%) and more.
Advanced stats didn’t love Allen’s season, either. While his 64.4 Pro Football Focus grade was far from bad, it was easily the worst of his decade-plus-long career. Of all wideouts with at least 30 targets on the year, his 68.2 receiving grade was 64th.
End of Pittsburgh’s Wideout Depth Chart Shouldn’t Prevent Late Acquisitions
With all of that said, Allen’s profile should appeal to the Steelers given their current receiver room. Metcalf is a nice piece, and Moton mentioned Austin (who’s generating buzz this offseason) as someone who wouldn’t overlap with Allen. That much is true, as Allen’s lowest boundary alignment percentage of his career is 35.1 according to PFF. He can move around the formation and execute various route concepts.
There also simply isn’t anyone else worth fielding over even an aging Allen. Players like Robert Woods, Scotty Miller and Ben Skowronek are proven veterans with limited ceilings. Roman Wilson is a developmental piece who is essentially redoing his rookie year. There’s not only room for Allen, but there’s a sound case to be made for a need.
At this stage of his career, Allen is likely valuing things like fit, opportunity and winning. The Steelers would check multiple or all of those boxes. Rodgers having another smart mind on offense is a great idea. A slightly diminished version of Allen is better than most of this wideout corps.
Can it happen? Sure. Will it happen? That remains to be seen.
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