Should the Steelers Sign Cole Beasley?
Story by Yinzer Crazy Co-Founder Mike Nicastro. Follow him on Twitter @MikedUpSports1
First and foremost, this piece does not have a political agenda. I want to make that very clear, even though I’ll be touching on some of the polarizing aspects of former Bills receiver Cole Beasley’s character throughout the past few seasons. As you can imagine, this question about Beasley and the Steelers was met with great vitriol on Twitter. But the responses were divided fairly evenly.
Beasley, 32, is currently looking for a new home after being released by the Bills a few weeks ago. Buffalo reportedly tried to find a trade-partner for the veteran, but were unsuccessful. That doesn’t necessarily mean that teams weren’t interested, but likely that organizations weren’t willing to part with draft picks for an aging player.
Last year, the NFL imposed
mandatory-ish
covid protocols, in which unvaccinated players would be fined for violations, including failing to wear a mask in a team facility. Beasley was held accountable for that, to the tune of roughly $100,000 in fines.
He took to social media to express his thoughts (via Sports Illustrated)
““If your scared of me then steer clear. Point. Blank. Period. I may die of covid, but I'd rather die actually living.”
My biggest gripe with that tweet may be the whole “your,” vs. “you’re” thing.
One thing that is not up for debate is that every time Beasley has stepped onto the field he’s been very productive.
The diminutive (5’8, 175 lbs) slot option has caught 82 passes in each of the last two seasons playing with the Bills and premiere NFL QB Josh Allen. Who else was on that Buffalo team last year? Well,
your presumed Steelers starting QB, Mitch Trubisky.
Which led me to ask you the question: Should the WR-needy Steelers sign Beasley?
I was expecting a couple of responses. The normal quips mixed in with a few people calling me an asshole. Well, I received over 500. Yes, plenty of them fit that description. Let’s dive into a few - and I’ll respond with my take:
someone who thinks differently than you & does not let people scare him from expressing it is not strange
— Sports Talk Drew 🍀 (@SportsTalkDrew) April 11, 2022
I get it, Drew. Maybe strange was the wrong word to use. I believe in freedom of choice. Everyone is in charge of their own bodies. However, (yes, there is a however) Beasley is also an aspiring rapper who last July, dropped a diss track in regard to his stance on Covid. He also can frequently be seen rocking the hockey/hillbilly look displayed in our thumbnail photo above.
Whatever, right. Strange? Maybe not. Unconventional, sure. And whether you like it or not, that makes him less appealing in terms of signability.
The only reason I would want him is because my son’s name is Cole and that isn’t the reason I should want him to be a Steeler. Besides, we signed Mason Cole. Hard pass. You don’t have to be vaccinated but you dont have to be an asshole about it either.
— Crystal Kreider (@Crispens87) April 11, 2022
That last sentence will echo how many people feel, Crystal. I think in a lot of ways previously mentioned, Cole Beasley was an asshole about it. Don't like the rule about wearing a mask in the facility? Don't show up to the facility. Also, big shout out to your son. Cole Tucker, Gerrit Cole, the coal everyone gets for Christmas for mean tweets - Pittsburgh is a great Cole town.
Yes would love it.
— The Real (@wtfidgaf2) April 11, 2022
Why not.
And he can block.
Him and Gunner are going to be awesome to watch if they are both on the field.
Trust me.
Second most recieving yds and catches as a slot last 3 yrs only behind Kupp. 82 catches last 2 yrs. And hes familiar with Trubisky. He's a BEAST!! 1 st down king wish Bills kept him 😞
— Mark Henry (@MarkCoachmark13) April 12, 2022
Exactly why I could make a real valid argument that he should be signed. I don’t need to. Yinz just did a damn good job. This “cat” can play. Even at age 32. And the Steelers desperately need another chain-mover.
I’d rather take Pam Beasley pic.twitter.com/Ep8YvTPw92
— Jeffrey Collins (@JeffCollins2273) April 11, 2022
I like Pam, but she wasn’t always supportive of Jim’s dream of becoming a sports agent. Big time character flaw.
I'm more intrigued by Steven Sims and Anthony Miller than these potential outside free agents
— Billy Puma Johnson (@OGKillBill) April 11, 2022
Anthony Miller to a degree, given their history in Chicago. I get the logic. Ultimately, I’d be surprised if he makes an impact. The WR room was decimated last year with JuJu on the shelf and Washington in and out of the lineup, and Miller still couldn’t get a hat (outside of a game or two). I know the Steelers generally bring WR’s along slowly, but the dude was 27 years old. Steven Sims won’t make much of a dent after the team drafts a few WR’s.
Similar to the tone of this country, we’re divided. I’d rather draft two wide-receivers (outside of RD 1), or sign a boom or bust dude like Will Fuller to an incentive-laden deal. But there’s no denying that those guys would need time to develop chemistry with Trubisky.
Chemistry that Beasley may already provide.
I’ll leave yinz with this response to the tweet, which mostly better sums up everything than my 2,000 words:
— Billy Holey (@BillyHoley) April 12, 2022
You might also like
Yinzer Crazy
Book a Service Today
Yinzer Crazy
24/7 Yinzer Sports Coverage
Location
Your Fan Cave,Pittsburgh, PA
Email
Yinzercrazyshow@gmail.com
Follow us on Social Media! YouTube: YinzerCrazy
Twitter: @YinzerCrazyShow
Instagram : @Yinzer_Crazy
Facebook: Yinzer Crazy
