PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers and wide receiver Justin Hunter agreed to a contract Wednesday, according to a source. Hunter, a second-round pick by the Tennessee Titans in 2013, just finished a stint with the Buffalo Bills, where four of his 10 receptions went for touchdowns. Hunter also spent time with the Miami Dolphins last season. He visited Pittsburgh's team facility on Monday.
Grade -- B+: The signing of Hunter gives the Steelers a deep-threat option and the player a second chance with a good quarterback. Hunter never has eclipsed 28 catches in any of his four seasons. He's played for three teams in the past two years. But the Steelers like his size (6-foot-4) and speed (runs the 40 in the 4.4-second range) when paired with deep-ball passer Ben Roethlisberger. They feel they can maximize his talents, as he's played without an elite quarterback for most of his career.
What it means: Hunter is probably a low-cost option, which means he'll be playing behind Antonio Brown, Eli Rogers, Martavis Bryant (if reinstated) and possibly others. This puts Sammie Coates on notice. That the Steelers are combing the bargain bin for wide receiver help reminds that Coates needs a big offseason. The Steelers also have Cobi Hamilton, Darrius Heyward-Bey and Demarcus Ayers in a crowded reserve wideout role.
What’s the risk: None, really. Hunter provides competition and an intriguing skill set for the Steelers' coaches.
