PFR Originals: Steelers, WRs, Meinerz

Here is a collection of PFR’s latest originals:

• The Steelers have an interesting quarterback setup with both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields on expiring deals. The former Seahawks Super Bowl winner is set to serve as Pittsburgh’s starter over the ex-Bears first-rounder, but a training camp competition could be on hand. PFR’s readers agree that Wilson is likelier to see more starts than Fields this season, one in which both of their futures will become clearer.
• The receiver position has erupted in value over the past few years, and many teams have recently made unprecedented investments in the league’s top pass-catchers. Sam Robinson broke down each team’s most lucrative contract handed out to receivers in terms of guaranteed money. To no surprise, many of the most expensive commitments (regarding up front compensation in particular) have come in this decade, and that trend is set to continue for the foreseeable future.
• A number of players are skipping out on OTAs around the league in the hopes of landing a new deal. One of those is Giants wideout Darius Slayton, who has one year remaining on his existing pact. He recently expressed confidence a resolution would be coming soon, but no progress on the negotiation front has been seen. Ely Allen profiled the 27-year-old as a potential trade candidate.
• The Dolphins are currently negotiating a long-term deal with Tua Tagovailoa, nine years removed from when the team similarly made a lucrative commitment to Ryan Tannehill. Ben Levine looked back on the latter’s Miami contract in another installment of our This Date In Transactions History series. Tannehill spent six years with the Dolphins, but his tenure did not produce the desired results and he was traded to the Titans in 2019. As current GM Chris Grier and Co. consider a mega-deal for Tagovailoa, they will no doubt remain aware of Mike Tannenbaum‘s commitment to Tannehill and its unwanted effects over time.
• The Chiefs have been the dominant team in the AFC for several years now, and the two-time defending champions are the target for each of the other teams in the conference in 2024. A few top contenders are in place with respect to which team has the greatest chance of unseating Kansas City; opinion is split many ways on the question of which squad represents the Chiefs’ top threat. To little surprise, though, the Ravens, Bengals and Texans received the most votes in PFR’s latest poll. Baltimore, Cincinnati and Houston are among the most well-positioned AFC teams at the quarterback spot, and they should be postseason contenders in 2024.
• The Broncos agreed to a pair of major free agent offensive line deals last offseason (Mike McGlinchey, Ben Powers) but another one will be needed to keep Quinn Meinerz in the fold. The latter is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and his play at right guard has upped his market value considerably. As Sam demonstrated, the Division III product has been an integral part of Denver’s offense during that past two years in particular. Meinerz will showcase himself to the Broncos or outside teams in 2024 if no extension can be worked out.
• Treylon Burks entered the league with considerable expectations, but he has not managed to deliver so far. The former Titans first-rounder is now joined by DeAndre Hopkins, Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd in the receiving room, and as a result Ely explored the possibility of Tennessee being willing to move Burks, 24, in a trade. Two years remain on the Arkansas alum’s rookie deal, unless the Titans or an acquiring team were to pick up his fifth-year option for 2026 next offseason.
• In another look back at major QB moves of the past, Sam recounted the Giants’ decision to cut Kerry Collins in 2004. That move was quickly followed by the Raiders signing him to a three-year deal. Collins did not enjoy a successful run in Oakland upon taking over from Rich Gannon, and his Raiders stretch included a 7-21 record before it ended with another release. The two-time Pro Bowler rebounded with the Titans and Colts to finish his career, but Collins’ Oakland tenure was a key part of the team’s years-long efforts to find a true Gannon successor.