Steelers predicted to sign Bears $80 million wide receiver

The Pittsburgh Steelers picked up a nice 27-14 home victory over the Cleveland Browns in Week 14, as the team is now 10-3 and strengthened their lead in the AFC North. Mike Tomlin’s squad has won seven of their last eight games and will travel to Lincoln Financial Field in Week 15 to square off against the Philadelphia Eagles in a potential Super Bowl preview.

The Steelers’ offense put together another efficient outing on Sunday versus the Browns, as the unit posted 27 points and converted 6-of-14 third down attempts. Though Pittsburgh’s offense has been productive under offensive coordinator Arthur Smith and the leadership of veteran quarterback Russell Wilson, the group still has some glaring weaknesses, primarily at wide receiver.

Outside of George Pickens, the Steelers’ wide receiver lacks consistent production. Though Calvin Austin III, Mike Williams, and Van Jefferson have shown glimpses of promise and fantastic play, Pittsburgh doesn’t have a capable WR2 opposite Pickens and desperately needs another playmaker this offseason.

With the Steelers possibly being in the market for another wide receiver in the offseason, Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine predicts general manager Omar Khan will sign Chicago Bears star Keenan Allen in 2025 free agency.

Van Jefferson, Calvin Austin III and even Mike Williams have all chipped in to give the Steelers the production of a good No. 2 wide receiver to pair with Pickens. Still, it would be good for the team to bring in more talent to the receiving corps.

Keenan Allen has not put up big numbers for the Bears this season, but he’s still a fairly reliable veteran. It would be worth a shot to see what he has left to offer an offense next season and if he can bounce back in a more functional offense next year.

Allen has been one of the most productive players in the NFL since entering the league in 2013, as the 32-year-old has tallied six 1,000-yard campaigns in 12 years and has also posted five seasons with over 100 receptions. Allen spent the first 11 years of his career with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers before being traded to the Bears during the 2024 offseason.

Though Allen is a savvy route runner who would serve as an adequate security blanket in Pittsburgh’s offense, the 2013 third-round pick isn’t the same player he once was and will likely demand a sizeable contract on the open market. Instead, the Steelers should draft a wide receiver in the first or second round of April’s draft and bolster the receiving room with a high-potential rookie on an inexpensive contract.

Allen would be a fun addition to Arthur Smith’s offense, but signing the veteran to a lucrative contract wouldn’t be a smart move from Omar Khan, as the team can address the need for another playmaker with a much cheaper option.