Pro Football Focus has stirred conversation by naming the Pittsburgh Steelers as the best free-agent fit for Buffalo Bills wide receiver Amari Cooper. After being traded by the Cleveland Browns, Cooper had a lackluster season with the Bills, recording just 547 receiving yards.
Despite his dip in production, the five-time Pro Bowler remains one of the league’s premier route runners—something the Steelers could use to bolster their receiving corps.
Reports indicate the Steelers were actively pursuing receiver options at the trade deadline and were linked to Cooper previously. PFF argues that pairing Cooper with George Pickens would balance the Steelers’ receiver room and draw defensive attention away from the young standout.
Cooper’s steady veteran presence could help stabilize a group that has lacked consistency and polish in recent years.
At 30 years old, Cooper’s route-running precision could make him an attractive option for Pittsburgh, a team in desperate need of receivers who can consistently create separation. Even with a production dip, Cooper has shown he can still be effective in key moments, particularly as a complement to an explosive playmaker like Pickens.
However, the move isn’t without its drawbacks. Cooper’s age and declining production raise questions about whether signing him is the right choice for a team that could prioritize youth at the position. The Steelers may prefer to build around younger talent rather than investing in a veteran whose best years could be behind him.
That said, Cooper’s skill set is undeniable, and his experience could provide immediate benefits for a Steelers offense looking to take the next step. His ability to “win throughout his routes,” as noted by PFF, is a quality the team has been lacking and could transform their passing game into a more balanced attack.
Ultimately, while Amari Cooper represents a potentially stabilizing force for the Steelers’ offense, the decision will likely come down to whether Pittsburgh wants to make a short-term investment in a veteran or build for the future with younger, more dynamic talent. Either way, the discussion underscores the Steelers’ urgency to upgrade their receiving room this offseason.