The Pittsburgh Steelers made the move to sign the veteran wide receiver Robert Woods on Monday afternoon. The deal was a one-year contract worth $2 million. Woods joins the Steelers after spending the 2024 season with the Houston Texans, where he caught just 20 passes for 203 yards and failed to score a touchdown. Now 33 years old, the former second-round pick brings a wealth of experience to Pittsburgh, but not without raising eyebrows among fans.
Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times
Robert Woods makes a diving catch during his time with the Rams.
Many in Steeler Nation are divided over the signing. Some appreciate the addition of a seasoned veteran who can mentor the team’s young wideouts and provide reliable depth if needed. Others, however, see the $2 million investment as a waste, especially with what they believe is already a crowded wide receiver room. To them, Woods’ recent production doesn’t justify a roster spot or the financial commitment, and they question what meaningful impact he can have at this stage of his career.
Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo offered some clarity on Tuesday, revealing in his Chat via the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the honest reason Pittsburgh brought in Woods. According to Fittipaldo, the team sees Woods as insurance for one of the young receivers who is still developing and not yet fully trusted to handle a consistent role in 2025. While the coaching staff remains optimistic about the potential of their younger talent, they weren’t willing to go into the season without a reliable fallback — and Woods, despite a quiet 2024, fits that bill.
"Not sure where he fits to be honest," Fittipaldo said. "If they keep Pickens it will be Pickens and Metcalf on the outside. Then you have Roman Wilson and Calvin Austin III in the slot as 3/4. I like Showronek as a No. 6/special teams ace. Maybe Woods is the No. 5? The hope is Wilson takes a step forward and is a part of the rotation. I'm reading Woods is insurance against Wilson getting hurt again or not progressing."
The Steelers’ wide receiver room faced plenty of questions before and during the 2024 season. In response, the team made a blockbuster move by trading for star wide receiver DK Metcalf. With Metcalf lining up alongside George Pickens, Pittsburgh now boasts one of the most physically imposing receiver duos in the league. However, beyond those two, there’s still growing uncertainty about which other wideouts will step up and claim meaningful roles.
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Steelers' George Pickens looks on during Christmas Day game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Calvin Austin III turned heads in 2024 with an impressive season, proving his value as a dynamic slot receiver and playmaker in space. His speed and versatility give the Steelers a unique weapon, but consistency will be key moving forward. Meanwhile, the then-rookie Roman Wilson struggled to make an impact, missing significant time due to injury and receiving limited opportunities when healthy.
As the team heads into the 2025 season, questions remain about how Wilson fits into the offense. While the Steelers are hopeful he can take a leap, nothing is guaranteed. That uncertainty is likely a driving factor behind Pittsburgh’s decision to bring in a veteran presence like Woods — someone who can provide stability if the younger receivers aren’t ready to take the next step.
Steelers' Robert Woods Will Provide Great Leadership Within The Offense
According to Fittipaldo, the decision to sign Woods is viewed as a bit of insurance in case Wilson experiences another setback. At this point in his career, Woods brings valuable leadership to the Steelers, having played 12 seasons in the NFL and served as a captain. His presence offers stability to a wide receiver group still working to define its roles.
While Woods may not play a major part in the passing game, he’s expected to contribute in other important ways. He’s a strong blocker, dependable teammate, and willing to do the small things that help a physical offense succeed. Those qualities align well with the Steelers’ identity under Head Coach Mike Tomlin.
Benjamin B. Braun / Post-Gazette
Steelers' Mike Tomlin looks on during a snowy game in Cleveland.
The expectation isn’t for Woods to be a game-changer, but rather a steady, reliable veteran who can step in when needed and help guide younger players. For a team with playoff hopes, that kind of experience can quietly make a meaningful impact.
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