NFL Free Agency: Could Pittsburgh Steelers Bring Back Santonio Holmes?
By Matt Gajtka
Dec 8, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver
Santonio Holmes(10) is unable to catch a pass in the end zone against Oakland Raiders cornerback
Phillip Adams(28) in the first half during the game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Santonio Holmes will always have a place in Pittsburgh Steelers history for his Super Bowl-winning catch five years ago, but could he have a role in the franchise’s future as well?
It’s tough to avoid that question when the 30-year-old receiver was cut by the Jets this week after four seasons in New York. While with the Jets, Holmes never delivered on the promise he showed in 2009, when he snagged 79 passes for 1,248 yards in Pittsburgh.
The former Ohio State Buckeye’s best season in New York came in 2010, with 52 receptions for 746 yards. His production gradually declined from there, with injuries playing a major role. Holmes has missed 17 of 32 regular-season games over the past two years.
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Assuming he can stay on the field, Holmes is a tantalizing possibility for the Steelers. It’s not difficult to imagine him playing off Antonio Brown next fall, taking advantage of pre-existing chemistry with Ben Roethlisberger to rejuvenate his career.
Just as importantly, the combination of Holmes’ age and his rough time in New York should knock his price down to manageable levels. His value on the market may still be too rich for the Steelers’ tastes, but Holmes would be worth a look, if only to check on the feasibility of a reunion.
Also, with Jerricho Cotchery‘s return uncertain, the Steelers could find themselves in the market for outside help at the receiver position.
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