The Pittsburgh Steelers are grappling with a tough late-season slump, dropping three consecutive games and relinquishing their lead in the AFC North. With a 10-6 record, they are set to host the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 18 at Acrisure Stadium.
The team’s offense has been a major concern during this skid, averaging only 13.3 points per game over the three losses. Among the offensive issues, the wide receiver group remains a significant weak spot. While George Pickens has emerged as a standout playmaker since joining the league in 2022, the rest of the receiving corps—Calvin Austin III, Mike Williams, and Van Jefferson—has struggled with consistency despite occasional flashes of brilliance.
General manager Omar Khan is expected to prioritize adding offensive talent in the offseason. Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine predicts the Steelers will target Tennessee Titans wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine during the 2025 free agency period.
Though the Steelers have been linked to bigger names like Brandon Aiyuk, Christian Kirk, and Davante Adams, those potential deals have yet to materialize. Instead, Westbrook-Ikhine, a relatively low-profile player, might be a realistic and cost-effective option. At 6’2″ and 211 pounds, the 27-year-old has proven to be a reliable red-zone threat, excelling in contested catches and tracking deep passes.
In 2024, Westbrook-Ikhine has delivered solid production for Tennessee, recording 28 receptions for 447 yards and nine touchdowns—placing him among the league’s top scorers in that category. Having joined the Titans as an undrafted free agent in 2020, he has been a valuable depth player over five seasons.
However, while Westbrook-Ikhine offers affordable and dependable contributions as a WR3 or WR4, he is unlikely to fill the Steelers’ need for a true WR2 to complement Pickens. His signing could bolster Pittsburgh’s offense and improve its red-zone efficiency but would not entirely resolve the team’s need for a high-caliber playmaker. Still, adding Westbrook-Ikhine would be a savvy offseason move for Omar Khan and the Steelers.
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