Depending on who you ask, someone might tell you the Pittsburgh Steelers are one move away from becoming Super Bowl contenders. Others might say it’s more in the ball park of a thousand.
But no matter how optimistic or pessimistic they may be, they must all agree on one thing: the team has had an unmistakable hole at WR2 since the misguided trade of George Pickens back in May.
Many and more opportunities to upgrade that spot behind big offseason acquisition D.K. Metcalf have passed Pittsburgh’s decision-makers by. They cannot allow that to happen again.
On Wednesday, it was reported by New Orleans.Football’s Nick Underhill that the New Orleans Saints and wideout Brandin Cooks had mutually decided to part ways. The 12-year veteran will hit waivers.
The Saints and Brandin Cooks have mutually agreed to part ways, according to a source. Cooks will be a free agent
— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) November 19, 2025
If he clears waivers, the 32-year-old will become a free agent. He will be able to explore all of the options that might present themselves to him. And there could be many. Injuries and poor planning have left several teams, such as the Bills, Bucs, and Ravens, short on wideouts.
Pittsburgh Steelers have glaring need within wide receiver depth chart
But there is no team with a more glaring need at wide receiver right now than the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Metcalf is a bonafide WR1, but he’s got no threats behind him to take away some of the double teams and extra attention afforded him by opposing defenses.
A speedy, savvy slot guy like Brandin Cooks could be just what the doctor ordered.
Though the doctor in Pittsburgh may have already ordered just that.. Several times. 2022 fourth-round pick Calvin Austin III and 2024 third-round pick Roman Wilson are pretty much exactly in that mould.
It’s just that neither has been able to make the impact Pittsburgh brass had been hoping for when they used those mid-round picks. Perhaps all they need is a veteran like Cooks to come in, show them how it’s done, and give them a little kick in the pants.
No doubt, Aaron Rodgers would love to have another experienced player in the huddle. Cooks has played for five teams in his 12-year career, so he’s a quick study and very adaptable. He once had three straight 1,000-yard seasons with three different franchises.
And to hammer home just how bad the Steelers need help at wide receiver: Calvin Austin III is the tentative WR2 this season with 22 receptions for 242 yards in eight games. That yardage mark ranks 76th among WRs in the league.
It is also the lowest mark for a WR2 in the NFL apart from the Jets, Ravens, Browns, Falcons, and Commanders. Other than the rival Ravens, all of those teams have 2- or 3-win records right now. No designs on the playoffs.
If Pittsburgh wants to make some real noise and win a postseason game for the first time in a decade, they’re going to need two. And we're talking real WR threats.