Tag: wide receivers

Former Steelers QB endorses massive 2025 superstar wide receiver trade

Ben Roethlisberger approves of the Pittsburgh Steelers making a move for Cooper Kupp as trade speculation continues to grow.

While the NFL world prepares for the Super Bowl LIX matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles, trade speculation is running rampant between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Los Angeles Rams superstar Cooper Kupp.

Kupp took to social media to express his disappointment with the Rams’ desire to move on from him, as he had hoped to retire in Los Angeles.

The Pittsburgh Steelers were previously linked to Kupp during the 2024 season, and the Steel City once again finds itself in the mix as a potential destination for Kupp—and legendary Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger approves.

On his podcast, Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger, the former Steelers QB excitedly spoke on this potential move:

“For the Steelers, it’s a great move—depending on what the Rams are asking. If they’re asking for something that’s outlandish, then don’t do it. But if it’s worth doing and you have the cap space to take on his contract, then I would absolutely do it.”

Roethlisberger’s approval may do little to actually improve the Steelers’ chances of acquiring Kupp, but the two-time Super Bowl-winning QB knows a thing or two about talented receivers.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

What would it cost the Steelers to trade for Rams WR Cooper Kupp?

Could the Steelers land Cooper Kupp for a pair of Day 3 picks? His trade value may make an acquisition more affordable than expected.

The NFL is truly unforgiving—and the Los Angeles Rams’ willingness to trade their superstar Cooper Kupp, just four years removed from his stellar triple crown season in 2021, further proves it.

One team’s trash is another team’s treasure, however, as while the Rams may want to trade Kupp to cut costs in 2025, the Pittsburgh Steelers could definitely use the assistance of the former All-Pro receiver.

Acquiring Kupp wouldn’t demand too much draft capital from the Pittsburgh Steelers, as he will be 32 years old by the time the 2025 regular season begins. Injury concerns could also lower the cost, potentially allowing the Steel City to send one or two Day 3 picks in exchange for Kupp.

Should the Steelers seriously consider acquiring Kupp, sending a 2025 fifth- and sixth-round draft pick to the Los Angeles Rams could seal the deal.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have long desired an elite, veteran wide receiver presence on their offense, and Kupp’s trade situation with the Rams seems too perfect to pass up.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

2025 Bucs Offseason Preview: Wide Receivers

The Bucs continue to boast one of the NFL’s best WR tandems with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, but more drafted talent wouldn’t hurt.

The 2024 season was a three-part tale of glory, turmoil, and redemption for the Buccaneers’ wide receiver corps. It teased the possibilities of a top-five finish for Chris Godwin and reminded everyone why Mike Evans is still one of the best wide receivers in the NFL, 11 record-breaking seasons on.

The season began with Godwin carrying the Bucs pass offense. Through seven games, he caught 50 passes for 576 yards and five touchdowns, putting him on pace to finish top-five in all three categories among wide receivers. Even after suffering a season-ending ankle injury in Week 7, Godwin posted the NFL’s best reception rate (83.3%) and was top-10 in yards per route run, yards after catch per reception, and NFL passer rating (minimum 35 targets). Godwin even posted a career-best zero dropped passes.

Godwin’s success was not shared by Mike Evans, who posted just 335 receiving yards through Week 7, which would have put him well short of getting an 11th-straight 1000-yard season. For the first half of the season, Evans simply was not the focal point of the offense as he had been his entire career.

Week 7 is where the story turns, as the Bucs lost Godwin for the season and Mike Evans to a hamstring injury for several weeks in a crushing loss to the Baltimore Ravens. The Bucs faced a brutal three-game stretch in which Baker Mayfield relied on veteran Sterling Shepard and undrafted players like Ryan Miller and Rakim Jarrett.

Once Evans returned in Week 12, he reminded everyone who he was and what he could do. He broke a couple of records. First and foremost, he tied Jerry Rice’s record of 11 straight seasons with at least 1000 receiving yards. Evans also became the NFL’s all-time leader in defensive pass interference yardage in the regular season and playoffs (860) per FTN.

Though Godwin and Evans peaked at different points in the season, they proved they are among, if not the best, wide receiver tandem in the NFL. 

That is why the Bucs will move heaven and earth to ensure Chris Godwin stays in Tampa Bay.

The continuity of Evans and Godwin is a major reason for the Bucs’ sustained offensive success over the last five years. Despite considerable turnover at offensive coordinator and quarterback, Evans and Godwin just make everyone right on offense.

Evans has another year on his extension, while Godwin’s expires this offseason. Due to the heavy borrowing, the Bucs did during the Brady years, Godwin has a dead cap hit of $18.8 million in 2025 per Over the Cap.

However, re-signing Godwin before the start of the league year would likely cost less than letting Godwin walk. At 29 years old and coming off a significant ankle injury, Godwin probably would command a salary similar to Cooper Kupp or Davante Adams, averaging between $25 and $30 million per year. While this would again require the use of void years and back-loading his contract, the Bucs could keep Godwin in Tampa Bay at a competitive price.

2025 also saw the rise of rookie Jalen McMillan, who started the season slow but came on as a viable scoring weapon down the stretch. In the last five games of the season, McMillan scored seven touchdowns. While he could be the Bucs’ WR2 if Godwin signed elsewhere, he would be a top-end WR3 next season playing behind Evans and Godwin.

The Trey Palmer experiment may have reached its untimely end. Despite the injuries to the wide receiver corps this season, Palmer was less productive and no more efficient than he was in 2023, catching just 12 passes for 172 yards compared to 39 catches for 385 yards and three touchdowns in 2023. He was also an ineffective punt return, averaging just 7.6 yards per return and muffing twice.

While the Bucs are sure to bring back some combination of Palmer, Shepard, Jarrett, and undrafted rookie Kameron Johnson, more talent is needed at the position to ensure against age and injury to Evans and Godwin. To bring back Godwin, the Bucs cannot afford to pay an up-and-coming receiver, so the draft will be their primary venue for acquisitions.

Iowa St. WR Jayden Higgins would add a little more size to a receiving corps that otherwise lacks it outside of Evans. He is a physical player known for his ability to make contested catches. While he is not the field stretcher that Evans is, he could be the next big target in the Bucs’ receiving arsenal.

While Utah St. WR Jalen Royals does not add much size to an NFL wide receiver room, his build and skill set are not dissimilar from Godwin’s. Royals averaged 3.0 yards per route run and 7.9 yards after the catch per reception, both top marks in this year’s receiver class.

Both Higgins and Royals could be targets for Tampa Bay on Day 2 of the draft. Though the Bucs are sure to emphasize adding defensive talent with their top picks, adding either prospect would simultaneously prepare for the future and reinforce the strength of the offense.

Wisconsin veteran one of 247Sports’ top 10 Big Ten wide receivers for 2025

Wisconsin veteran one of 247Sports’ top 10 Big Ten wide receivers for 2025

Wisconsin wide receiver Vinny Anthony II was included in 247Sports’ top 10 Big Ten wide receivers for the 2025 season on Tuesday.

The outlet listed the fourth-year Badger as the No. 9 wide receiver in the conference ahead of Oregon’s Dakorien Moore (No. 10). He was then ranked behind Rutgers’ Ian Strong (No. 8), Nebraska’s Dane Key (No. 7), Washington’s Denzel Boston (No. 6), Michigan State’s Nick Marsh (No. 5), Ohio State’s Carnell Tate (No. 4), USC’s Makai Lemon (No. 3), Indiana’s Elijah Sarratt (No. 2) and Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith (No. 1).

Last season, Anthony orchestrated the most impressive season of his career with 39 catches for a team-leading 672 receiving yards and four scores. His 17.2 yards per catch ranked fourth in the conference, plus was the highest season total from any Wisconsin wide receiver since 2005

With Will Pauling (Notre Dame) and C.J. Williams (Stanford) both leaving via the transfer portal, Anthony is set to become Badger quarterback Billy Edwards Jr.’s top target under newly-hired offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes during the 2025 season.

While Grimes boasts an offensive line background in his previous coaching assignments, Kansas’ offense ranked in the top 10 in the nation with 14.2 yards per completion. Anthony’s deep-ball tendencies and burning speed should benefit from Grimes’ offensive philosophy.

Transfers Jayden Ballard and Mark Hamper, and slot receiver Trech Kekahuna are slated to start alongside Anthony this season.

George Pickens wins award despite Steelers Wild-Card loss to Ravens

Steelers WR George Pickens made headlines for the right reasons this time, earning the NFL Way to Play Award for his Wild-Card performance.

George Pickens has made headlines for all the wrong reasons in 2024, but this time is different, as the Pittsburgh Steelers receiver has won an award for his performance against the Baltimore Ravens in the Wild-Card round of the playoffs.

Pickens has won the NFL Way to Play Award for his 36-yard touchdown in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ losing effort this past Wild-Card weekend.

The NFL Way to Play Award is given to the top player of the week who exemplifies outstanding playing technique, and Pickens certainly showcased that as he caught an incredible touchdown despite being double covered.

One of the greatest perks of winning the award is that the recipient receives a $5,000 USA Football equipment grant to donate to any youth or high school football program of their choice.

Although Pickens has a lot of growing up to do, he is no stranger to making elite plays on a routine basis. The Pittsburgh Steelers undoubtedly have a huge decision to make regarding his future with the organization, but congratulations are in order for Pickens on being selected for the award.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Will Steelers make the ‘Diontae Johnson mistake’ with George Pickens?

The Steelers traded away Diontae Johnson without a real backup plan. Could they make the same mistake with George Pickens in 2025?

Six awful words describe the Pittsburgh Steelers’ wide receiver woes that reared their ugly head in 2024: “Be careful what you wish for.”

No one will argue that the Pittsburgh Steelers won the Diontae Johnson trade that brought CB Donte Jackson from the Carolina Panthers this past offseason—especially after Johnson’s meltdown with three NFL teams since. However, the Steelers traded away their WR 1-B with little backup plan in place, and they may be poised to do the same with WR George Pickens in the 2025 offseason.

Pickens has proven himself to be truly electrifying on the field, but his immature antics have created huge distractions for the Pittsburgh Steelers—just as Johnson did.

If the Steelers trade away Pickens in 2025, Pittsburgh would need to hit a home run in free agency and the draft—but history isn’t on their side.

When Antonio Brown left the Steelers in 2019, Pittsburgh miserably attempted to fill the void with Donte Moncrief. Little changed when Johnson left in 2024, as the Steelers turned to Van Jefferson—and many fans know how that turned out.

Here’s to hoping the Pittsburgh Steelers don’t make any rash decisions regarding Pickens and avoid treating him like Johnson.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Wisconsin football offers four-star class of 2026 wide receiver

Wisconsin football offers four-star class of 2026 wide receiver

The Wisconsin Badgers extended an offer to four-star class of 2026 wide receiver Ryan Mosley on Wednesday.

Mosley becomes the third high-profile 2026 recruit to receive an offer from Luke Fickell’s program dating back to Jan. 12, joining five-star wide receiver Tristen Keys and four-star quarterback Bowe Bentley.

247Sports composite ranking lists the Carrollton High School product as the No. 216 overall recruit in the class of 2026, the No. 27 wide receiver and the No. 26 player from his home state of Georgia. Like his contemporaries, Mosley’s offer sheet is jam-packed with prestigious college programs.

The 6-foot-4, 206-pound wide receiver’s list of potential landing spots includes Ohio State, Alabama, Clemson, Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, LSU, Miami (FL), Oklahoma, SMU and South Carolina. In total, 32 programs have extended offers.

In 15 games as a junior, Mosley registered 55 receptions for 848 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. He also appeared on defense as a free safety.

247Sports has yet to release any crystal ball predictions, and On3’s prediction recruiting machine has not pinpointed any front-runner at this stage of Mosley’s process. Georgia (26.8%) holds the highest likelihood followed by Alabama (17.7%) and South Carolina (15,2%).

Wisconsin will face a bevy of high-profile programs in Mosley’s recruitment. Its class of 2026 boasts just one commit following quarterback Jarin Mock’s departure: three-star offensive lineman Benjamin Novak.

PFF argues Steelers should sign Buccaneers All-Pro WR Chris Godwin

Pro Football Focus links the Steelers to All-Pro WR Chris Godwin as a potential free-agent fit to fix their receiver woes in 2025.

Following the conclusion of the NFL’s regular season, Pro Football Focus—infamously known throughout Pittsburgh for their less-than-generous grading of Steelers players—released their list of the best 2025 free-agent fits for each of the 32 NFL teams.

PFF is well aware of the struggles that plagued the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024: the lack of quality wide receivers outside of George Pickens. To address this issue in 2025, PFF suggested the Steelers sign former All-Pro WR Chris Godwin, one of the top free agents in this upcoming offseason.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been linked to several big-name wide receivers for 2025 via trade and free agency, including Tyreek Hill and Tee Higgins. Any of these three receivers would significantly reshape the Steelers’ wide receiver room.

Godwin has struggled with injuries throughout his career, including multiple MCL and ACL injuries, as well as a season-ending ankle injury back in Week 7 of this season. While his injury history may be intimidating to most teams, it could allow the Pittsburgh Steelers to sign Godwin on a bargain, prove-it deal.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Wisconsin football offers nation’s No. 1 wide receiver in class of 2026

Wisconsin football offers nation’s No. 1 wide receiver in class of 2026

The Wisconsin Badgers extended an offer to five-star class of 2026 wide receiver Tristen Keys on Saturday.

Of all the prospects UW has offered over the past few months, Key is inarguably the most talented.

247Sports considers the Hattiesburg High School product the No. 4 overall recruit in the class of 2026, the No. 1 wide receiver and the No. 1 player from his home state of Mississippi. Of the 37 wide receivers on Wisconsin’s class of 2026 offer list, Keys is far and away the most talented.

As of Jan. 12, the 6-foot-2, 175-pound wide receiver’s offer sheet is loaded. Notre Dame, Ole Miss, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, LSU, Michigan, Miami (Florida), Florida State and Auburn are just a few programs on his rolodex of collegiate options at this stage of his recruiting process.

The three-sport athlete totaled 58 receptions, 1,275 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns as a junior in 2024 while also competing in track and field and basketball.

Here’s 247Sports’ director of scouting Andrew Ivins’ take on Keys as a college prospect:

“A potential game-wrecker on the outside that can attack all three levels and constantly challenge defenses. Pairs elite ball skills together with dynamic route running, superior athleticism and a long-levered frame… [He] has the skill set to emerge as a playmaker and trusted option on the perimeter for a College Football Playoff contender given the combination of size, fluidity and coordination.”

247Sports’ national recruiting analyst Tom Loy considers Tennessee the favorite to land Key while On3’s recruiting prediction machine lists in-state Ole Miss as the most likely landing spot at 42.3%.

Regardless, Wisconsin is now in the running for one of the nation’s most talented players. Keys would immediately become one of the top prospects to ever commit to UW. However, the Badgers’ recruiting staff has a long way to go in order to land that commitment.

Former Wisconsin wide receiver declares for 2025 NFL draft

Former Wisconsin wide receiver declares for 2025 NFL draft

Former Wisconsin Badgers and current Florida Gators wide receiver Chimere Dike declared for the 2025 NFL draft on Monday.

Dike, who played Wisconsin for four years from 2020-23, plans to make the jump to the pros after one year with the Florida Gators. The former Badger pass-catcher transferred to the SEC program in Dec. 2023. He joined former Badgers quarterback Graham Mertz, who had moved over the previous offseason.

“I also want to take a moment to thank the University of Wisconsin, especially Coach [Paul] Chryst, Coach [Luke] Fickell, Coach [Alvis] Whitted, and Coach [Mike] Brown,” Dike wrote on X. “You gave a kid from Waukesha, Wisconsin the chance to live out his dream, and for that, I will be forever grateful… Having said that I will be declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft.

The 6-foot-1 wide receiver finished his Wisconsin career with 44 games played over four seasons, 97 receptions, 1,478 yards and nine touchdowns, in addition 14 carries, 99 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown.

Dike’s impact on Wisconsin’s program was immediate — as a true freshman, he started six of seven games and logged 12 catches for 189 yards and a touchdown. He appeared in at least 11 games over the next three seasons as one of Wisconsin’s go-to options on the outside.

The veteran then logged a career-best 783 receiving yards for the Gators in 2024 in addition to serving as the team’s primary punt returner. He was second on the team in catches (36) and touchdown receptions (2).

He joins Kansas offensive lineman Logan Brown and Michigan State linebacker Jordan Turner as former Badgers to announce their 2025 NFL draft decisions in December.