The Pittsburgh Steelers look very different going into the 2025 season. There has been a good amount of roster turnover on both sides of the ball, but there is one thing that has remained the same between the last two years: question marks at wide receiver. Going into the 2024 season, the fan base was begging for the organization to acquire another quality wide receiver to go behind George Pickens, and now that same argument is being made for behind DK Metcalf. The outlook on this season is a little bit better due to the progression from Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson, and the addition of Jonnu Smith.
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Steelers' DK Metcalf during phase one of offseason workouts in 2025.
Austin played better than most expected in 2024, and Wilson is expected to make an impact after essentially red-shirting his rookie year. Robert Woods was another decent veteran addition, and Smith is versatile and athletic as a tight end. Despite all of that, the fans would like to see the franchise bring in one of the top veteran wide receivers that are still available, which include Amari Cooper, Gabe Davis, and Keenan Allen. Pittsburgh actually brought Davis in for a visit, but no deal was struck. Team insider Gerry Dulac was asked about this by a fan, and he noted some concerns.
"I know the Steelers thought he had some injury issues when he visited," Dulac said.
Davis was a prolific player with the Buffalo Bills from 2020 through 2023. He was a great second option as he got six or more touchdowns in all three of his seasons in Buffalo. He signed a big deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars going into the 2024 season, playing in just 10 games and catching 20 passes for just 239 yards and two touchdowns. He missed the rest of the year with a torn meniscus.
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Former Buffalo Bills wide receiver Gabe Davis attempts to haul in a catch while being guarded by former Steelers defender Minkah Fitzpatrick during a professional football game in Orchard Park, NY.
Davis is only 26-years old, so bouncing back from a torn meniscus should not be too much of a worry. However, something kept Pittsburgh from signing the wide receiver, and according to Dulac, it was injury concerns. It is worth noting that he suffered this injury in the second half of the season, so it is completely reasonable to suggest that he has just not fully recovered quite yet. He could have suffered a setback in his rehab as well, which is why he might still be available.
It is hard to imagine the Steelers will sign Davis at this point, unless there is some sort of injury in the wide receiver room. Although, if his injury is that much of a concern, it is more than likely that both Cooper and Allen would be signed first. Davis also visited the New Orleans Saints and the New York Giants and left both of those franchises without a deal, which could mean the injury concerns are real.
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Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III trains at Latrobe Memorial Stadium during 2023 Friday Night Lights.
Steelers Have Faith In The Current Receiving Room
Pittsburgh seems to have trust and faith in the group the organization currently has at wide receiver. Metcalf obviously leads the way, but Austin's leap forward during the 2024 season is also promising. If he can make a similar jump in 2025, the group will be solid. Wilson should be able to stay healthy and make some contributions, and the veteran leadership of guys like Woods and Ben Skowronek is extremely valuable. Barring an injury, or a clear sign that the group is weaker than expected, an external signing should be not expected.
A signing could still happen before the season begins. This would happen if another team around the league is forced to cut a talented wide out during final roster cuts, then Pittsburgh could jump on the opportunity to sign that player, likely for cheap.
What do you think of the report on Davis from Dulac? Do you want the Steelers to add a wide receiver? Let us know in the comments below!
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