Who Should I Start? Van Jefferson or Freddie Swain

Friday, March 15, 7:06 PM

The Pittsburgh Steelers are signing free-agent wide receiver Van Jefferson to an undisclosed one-year deal on Friday. After the trade of receiver Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers this week, the move to sign Jefferson will give new quarterback Russell Wilson a new weapon alongside George Pickens and Calvin Austin III. The 27-year-old former second-round pick of the Los Angeles Rams in 2020 spent time with new Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith with the Atlanta Falcons last year, catching 12 of 28 targets for 101 yards in 12 games (five starts) with the team. The move to Pittsburgh should be a boost for Jefferson's weak fantasy value, but the Steelers could also add to the position in the upcoming NFL draft. In four years in the NFL, Jefferson has 113 receptions for 1,600 yards and 10 touchdowns in 61 games (35 starts).

Friday, August 25, 9:30 AM

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Freddie Swain caught 6-of-8 targets and gained 33 yards during the team's 27-13 preseason loss to the Indianapolis Colts. The 25-year-old tied for the team lead in receptions Thursday night with his top competition for a roster spot, Deon Cain. Cain, however, gained nearly double the yardage and looked more explosive. With Tyrie Cleveland waived due to injury, the final wide receiver spot for the Eagles is up for grabs, and it seems to be down to Swain and Cain after their performances Thursday. Cain may have the upper hand due to being on the roster for a more extended period of time, but Swain should revert to the practice squad if he does not make the final 53-man roster after cutdowns.