Pittsburgh Steelers: Who Will Start Opposite Antonio Brown in 2017?
Not long ago, the Pittsburgh Steelers opened their checkbook and secured wide receiver Antonio Brown. Who will line up with him as the other starter?
Loaded with talent at wide receiver and armed with one of the top quarterbacks in the game, the Pittsburgh Steelers aerial attack is one of the best in the league these days. All-Pro Antonio Brown is usually in the discussion when it comes to the best player at his position in the NFL, the debate often coming down between him and Atlanta's Julio Jones.
Of course, it takes at least two to tango when it comes to this game in terms of wideouts. With a number of quality candidates to choose from, who will emerge as the pass-catcher opposite Brown in the starting lineup this season?
As we eluded to, the candidates are numerous. But one former starter is no longer with the team. Markus Wheaton took the free-agent route to the Windy City and signed with the Bears. Limited to three games in 2016, he caught four passes for 51 yards and one score. The previous two years, he combined for 19 regular-season starts and 97 catches, seven for scores.
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Currently on the depth chart are the likes of Sammie Coates, Eli Rogers, Darrius Heyward-Bey, newcomer Justin Hunter (from the Buffalo Bills) and Cobi Hamilton. Still waiting to rejoin the team is big-play performer Martavis Byrant, who missed all of this past season due to his latest suspension, but has applied for reinstatement.
Of the current incumbents, Rogers had the most productive 2016. He caught 48 passes for 594 yards and three touchdowns. Coates played hurt for much of the season, but was still quite the deep threat. He totaled only 21 receptions but for an impressive 435 yards (20.7 average) and a pair of scores. Heyward-Bey saw limited action, while Hamilton made his presence felt with 17 grabs, two for touchdowns.
Meanwhile, Hunter played in 12 games for the Bills. While the one-time Tennessee Titans performer hauled in only 10 throws, they were good for 189 yards and four tips to the end zone.
So who winds up the man opposite Brown? If Bryant returns, he makes for a very strong candidate. While Rogers enjoyed a solid 2016, he's perfectly suited for the slot. Don't be shocked if Hunter actually wins the job, giving quarterback Ben Roethlisberger another experienced target. In any case, this is one area of the team that the Pittsburgh Steelers have few concerns about.