OT: The Pittsburgher Thread: Congrats to KC, but Kelce was the real winner winning Swift

[Ryder71]

If Tyler Boyd was from Tennessee and had played at Vanderbilt I really don't think anyone would be on this subject. He's never been a productive outside WR in the NFL, he's getting up there in age, and he struggles to get open....plus he's talked shit about the Steelers organization time after time. If he's your #2 WR you have issues.

As we currently sit we don't have anyone. Who's available that can aptly fill the void that Johnson left?

 

[MrBrightside]

As we currently sit we don't have anyone. Who's available that can aptly fill the void that Johnson left?

There aren't many good options available, which is a big reason I was not in favor of giving away Johnson as they created a massive hole with few options available to fill it outside of the draft. Boyd is an aging slot receiver in an offense that doesn't use slot receivers. I don't get this idea at all.

 

[WickedWrister]

As we currently sit we don't have anyone. Who's available that can aptly fill the void that Johnson left?

This is why I have a nagging feeling WR is in play at 20 or 51.

 

[Peat]

Good for Rudolph getting the Titans gig. A scheme drawn up for Levis should fit him if he gets a chance, and maybe Levis gives him one.

 

[MrBrightside]

This is why I have a nagging feeling WR is in play at 20 or 51.

Oh it's not a nagging feeling. They are in a position they pretty much have to take a WR (and also a C) in the first two rounds.

 

[Ryder71]

There aren't many good options available, which is a big reason I was not in favor of giving away Johnson as they created a massive hole with few options available to fill it outside of the draft. Boyd is an aging slot receiver in an offense that doesn't use slot receivers. I don't get this idea at all.

I didn't dig deep into it. But if we only use 2 WR sets most of the time, it doesn't sound like this will be addressed with free agency if the slot receiver is largely an after thought.

Oh it's not a nagging feeling. They are in a position they pretty much have to take a WR (and also a C) in the first two rounds.

We also need a CB, but I'd go center in the 1st round. We can find a good WR in subsequent rounds if need be.

 

[Empoleon8771]

I know this team needs to replace Johnson and are thin on WR, but from looking at his numbers, I just don't see how replacing him will be all that crazy difficult. Outside of his 2021 season, he just didn't have the production whatsoever that suggests "it will be hard to replace him".

 

[Peat]

As we currently sit we don't have anyone. Who's available that can aptly fill the void that Johnson left?

Right now Josh Reynolds is the option I like most. He's played a WR2 role successfully, he's a big bodied guy which fits the Smith stereotype, he makes most of his catches outside but can infield, and I'm taking it on read anyone who was with Detroit for a while is a solid guy, that's what they're about. Shouldn't cost too much as he's never put up big numbers.

Only problem is I imagine a lot of teams are thinking this.

 

[Ryder71]

Right now Josh Reynolds is the option I like most. He's played a WR2 role successfully, he's a big bodied guy which fits the Smith stereotype, he makes most of his catches outside but can infield, and I'm taking it on read anyone who was with Detroit for a while is a solid guy, that's what they're about. Shouldn't cost too much as he's never put up big numbers.

Only problem is I imagine a lot of teams are thinking this.

How much of a drop off if any is Reynolds from Johnson? Cause Reynolds wasn't all that productive in the playoffs.

 

[Ryder71]

I know this team needs to replace Johnson and are thin on WR, but from looking at his numbers, I just don't see how replacing him will be all that crazy difficult. Outside of his 2021 season, he just didn't have the production whatsoever that suggests "it will be hard to replace him".

Maybe, but it needs addressed. We also likely need another CB because Jackson and Trice aren't enough. And if they are it seems rather precarious of a position to be in.

 

[Ryder71]

posts

Conversation​

Mark Kaboly
@MarkKaboly

Steelers and WR Tyler Boyd (Pitt/Clairton) have mutual interest and have had dialogue about him returning to his hometown. Nothing is imminent but there is more than just smoke with it. Steelers need a WR with Diontae Johnson traded & George Pickens only experienced WR on roster


5:52 PM · Mar 13, 2024
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[Peat]

How much of a drop off if any is Reynolds from Johnson? Cause Reynolds wasn't all that productive in the playoffs.

We are somewhat beyond my ability to make an accurate statement here.

And I think to a certain extent, I'd reword the question as "how likely is it that Reynolds will take the step the team wants from one of its top 2 receivers compared to Johnson" because, let's not beat around the bush, what Johnson was doing was not a whole lot. And yeah, there's a bunch of reasons for that beyond his control, not trying to slag him off, but Reynolds can replace what Johnson was doing in his sleep. He had the same number of TDs and only 109 less yards despite getting 23 less targets.

But the Steelers' WRs need to be doing more.

And I suspect it's not super likely. I doubt he's suddenly going to blossom into one of the league's better WRs at 28. He should be solid, and I can see him posting good numbers if the rest of Smith's offence gets rolling and he gets a lot of targets, but I think signing him should be accompanied by drafting a guy the team expects big things from. Maybe not a first rounder, but they shouldn't be leaving it later than the third unless this draft is absolutely stacked (which maybe it is tbf).

But I think he's the best guy out there in FA.

edit: I've also got to add that I'm not hugely sure DJ would have been the guy to step up either. Johnson's special sauce is getting open, preferably so he can then get YAC. Wilson likes to throw moon balls to guys getting deep, putting the ball where big bodies can get it and smaller bodies can't, and he likes to improvise. He's going to miss guys. We know Pickett and Johnson connect like cats and dogs. And I haven't dug on Smith, but I get the impression that he's pretty happy to see a lot of jump balls for big guys to get too.

 

[bigdaddyk88]

As we currently sit we don't have anyone. Who's available that can aptly fill the void that Johnson left?

At 10 million there’s no one. There’s a real argument that he would have been the best FA wr on the market because this class is not great hence why Calvin got over 20 million

I know this team needs to replace Johnson and are thin on WR, but from looking at his numbers, I just don't see how replacing him will be all that crazy difficult. Outside of his 2021 season, he just didn't have the production whatsoever that suggests "it will be hard to replace him".

You mean outside of tge year he didn’t play with a bottom 5 qb

 

[Ryder71]

At 10 million there’s no one. There’s a real argument that he would have been the best FA wr on the market because this class is not great hence why Calvin got over 20 million


You mean outside of tge year he didn’t play with a bottom 5 qb

That doesn't necessarily fill my heart with optimism.

I have to believe Omar Khan has a fish on the hook or is about to.

We are somewhat beyond my ability to make an accurate statement here.

And I think to a certain extent, I'd reword the question as "how likely is it that Reynolds will take the step the team wants from one of its top 2 receivers compared to Johnson" because, let's not beat around the bush, what Johnson was doing was not a whole lot. And yeah, there's a bunch of reasons for that beyond his control, not trying to slag him off, but Reynolds can replace what Johnson was doing in his sleep. He had the same number of TDs and only 109 less yards despite getting 23 less targets.

But the Steelers' WRs need to be doing more.

And I suspect it's not super likely. I doubt he's suddenly going to blossom into one of the league's better WRs at 28. He should be solid, and I can see him posting good numbers if the rest of Smith's offence gets rolling and he gets a lot of targets, but I think signing him should be accompanied by drafting a guy the team expects big things from. Maybe not a first rounder, but they shouldn't be leaving it later than the third unless this draft is absolutely stacked (which maybe it is tbf).

But I think he's the best guy out there in FA.

I always viewed Boyd as a guy who could constantly help move the sticks. That in and of itself isn't saying much maybe, but I always saw him as sure handed, hard working and consistent.

 

[OnMyOwn]

Just need an experienced guy to take targets that we know can play in the NFL. Risking a rookie who needs time to adapt isn’t ideal. Especially not as a number 2 receiver right off the rip.

 

[Empoleon8771]

You mean outside of tge year he didn’t play with a bottom 5 qb

He played with Ben in 2020 and didn't have notably great stats.

 

[Ryder71]

Just need an experienced guy to take targets that we know can play in the NFL. Risking a rookie who needs time to adapt isn’t ideal. Especially not as a number 2 receiver right off the rip.

And that also would drain us of a draft pick that can better be utilized to fortify our offensive line and DB core.

 

[bigdaddyk88]

Tyler 2023 csp hit was 10.3 million and is 30 i am not sure how much of a pay cut he will get

 

[WickedWrister]

We are somewhat beyond my ability to make an accurate statement here.

And I think to a certain extent, I'd reword the question as "how likely is it that Reynolds will take the step the team wants from one of its top 2 receivers compared to Johnson" because, let's not beat around the bush, what Johnson was doing was not a whole lot. And yeah, there's a bunch of reasons for that beyond his control, not trying to slag him off, but Reynolds can replace what Johnson was doing in his sleep. He had the same number of TDs and only 109 less yards despite getting 23 less targets.

I'm not so sure about that... Reynolds was the 3rd option in one of the best passing offenses in the league last year. We're talking 4500 yards and 30 TD's



Lowkey huge

 

[bigdaddyk88]

He played with Ben in 2020 and didn't have notably great stats.

In 2020 he got 88 passes for over 900 yards and 7 tds the same numbers he put up in 22 except he had 0 tds 10.3 yards a catch

 

[Empoleon8771]

In 2020 he got 88 passes for over 900 yards and 7 tds the same numbers he put up in 22 except he had 0 tds 10.3 yards a catch

Which goes back to my point that his 2021 season is carrying his reputation when he's been just a solid WR2 outside of that season.

 

[bigdaddyk88]

Claypool and Juju were Steelers in 2020

Which goes back to my point that his 2021 season is carrying his reputation when he's been just a solid WR2 outside of that season.

In 21 ben threw for 22 tds and 8 went to DJ 7 to muth. We literally went 2 seasons with 24 combined tds under Mt and KP
And he was paid like a number 2. Number 1s get over 20 million aav. Lots of big time wr coming up for deal’s after the rookie contract expires next 2 seasons

 

[MrBrightside]

 

[T1K]

How much of a drop off if any is Reynolds from Johnson? Cause Reynolds wasn't all that productive in the playoffs.

It’s a huge drop-off, but it’s not really apples-apples as far as money goes. Reynolds sort of took a backseat to Jameson Williams (their 1st rounder a couple years ago) in the playoffs.

Reynolds is more like a WR2/3. He’d be a good option early in the season while our rookie WR gets acclimated to the league.

 

[Peat]

I'm not so sure about that... Reynolds was the 3rd option in one of the best passing offenses in the league last year. We're talking 4500 yards and 30 TD's

Fair point, but he was still big time more efficient than Johnson. I'm guessing that's partly on routes run too (but then Smith loves targeting it downfield), but even so, you can apply some level of evening out for being on a less efficient offence and he should still do what Johnson did.