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Pittsburgh Steelers: Justin Hunter Joins Deep Receiving Corps

By Russell S. Baxter

Jan 1, 2017; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Justin Hunter (17) catches a pass over a fallen New York Jets corner back Darrelle Revis (24) during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Justin Hunter (17) catches a pass over a fallen New York Jets corner back Darrelle Revis (24) during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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After weeks of re-signing their only players, the Pittsburgh Steelers finally dove into free agency and grabbed a solid wide receiver.

It took a little time, but the Pittsburgh Steelers finally delved into the free agency market this month. The team watched veterans such as wide receiver Markus Wheaton (Chicago Bears), inside linebacker Lawrence Timmons (Miami Dolphins) and outside linebacker Jarvis Jones (Arizona Cardinals) move onto new franchises. Hence, general manager Kevin Colbert figured it was time to bring in some experienced talent as well.

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Originally a second-round pick in the 2013 NFL draft by the Tennessee Titans, Justin Hunter never really lived up to billing. In three seasons with the team, he hauled in just 68 passes for 1,116 yards and eight scores over 35 contests. What does stand out is his 16.4 yards per reception over that span.

After being cut loose by the Titans in the summer of 2016, Hunter latched on with the Miami Dolphins. His tenure in South Florida lasted only one game. He would wind up on the Bills’ roster for the team’s final 12 contests of the year.

With Buffalo, Hunter wound up making five starts and catching only 10 passes. But it added up to 189 yards (do the math) and he tied for the team lead with four touchdown grabs. He now joins a talented and deep receiving corps in the Steel City and is a solid replacement for Wheaton.

Could Hunter actually be in contention for a starting job this fall? The Steelers do have Eli Rogers and Sammie Coates. The team is also still awaiting word on Martavis Bryant, who in filed for reinstatement in January after serving a year’s suspension for violation the league’s substance-abuse policy (courtesy of Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk).

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Meanwhile, Darrius Heyward-Bey, Cobi Hamilton and rookie Demarcus Ayers all step up when called upon this past season. It’s safe to say the Steelers have some nice “problems” here that the addition of Hunter adds to.

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