As first reported by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, former Buffalo Bills receiver Justin Hunter is signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers on a one-year deal.
Hunter, 25, was a mid-season signing by the Bills who appeared in 12 games for the team last year. While he only caught ten passes for 189 yards, he tied for the team lead with four touchdown receptions. The four-year vet also appeared in one game for the Miami Dolphins after spending his first three seasons with the Tennessee Titans, who made him a second-round pick out of the University of Tennessee in 2013.
Hunter had flashed some talent early in his career, but was brought in to Buffalo mainly to provide some size that the team lacked at the position. His 6-foot-4 frame gave him at least three inches over the rest of the receiving corps, but he lacked the speed and separation ability to be much more than a red zone target for Tyrod Taylor.
It’s unlikely that the Bills will have a target of Hunter’s size next season. Dez Lewis is the same height as Hunter, but has struggled to receive playing time under two different coaches and may not make the roster. If the Bills are looking to replicate his size while upgrading on the talent side, a couple of 6-foot-3 receivers in Clemson’s Mike Williams and Western Michigan’s Corey Davis may be available with the tenth overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft.