Steelers See 2 Veteran Wide Receivers Now Fight For Final Roster Spot

The Pittsburgh Steelers' wide receiver battle to make the 53-man roster is starting to heat up. It seems pretty obvious that at least four wide receivers have locked up their spots. DK Metcalf is ready to be the star in this group, with Calvin Austin III and second-year wide receiver Roman Wilson also expected to see plenty of targets. Ben Skowronek appears to be another safe bet to make the roster, and some insiders believe Scotty Miller is also a lock. That’s already five receivers, and with Pittsburgh keeping only five wideouts last season, the numbers could leave veteran Robert Woods on the outside looking in.

After the Steelers’ 31-25 preseason win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, the wide receiver competition drew even more attention. The players on the bubble are pushing hard in practice and games to prove they belong. With limited roster spots, every catch, route, and special teams play matters as the Steelers get closer to final cuts.

Steelers insider Mike DeFabo weighed in on the battle for the 53-man roster, highlighting how the top receivers seem secure but the final spot remains very much up for grabs. He emphasized that versatility and special teams contributions will likely be key factors in deciding who sticks. For veterans like Woods, the pressure is on to make a strong case before the Steelers finalize their wide receiver group for the 2025 season.

"While the WR2 competition has dominated headlines, the intrigue from a roster construction standpoint is at the bottom of the depth chart," DeFabo wrote in his article for The Athletic on Sunday morning. "Miller, who had four catches for 47 yards in Jacksonville, continues to make plays and has shown his shifty route running is a fit with Rodgers’ quick trigger. He may have lapped Woods for the final spot."

In the mind of DeFabo, Miller may have lapped Woods for the final spot at wide receiver. There’s also the possibility that Pittsburgh could keep six wide receivers, though DeFabo doesn’t think the math would check out considering that other positions are just as competitive. 

It’s going to be interesting to see which talented wide receiver misses this roster. It surely is starting to feel as if that wide receiver may just be Woods.

"It’s also possible the Steelers keep six receivers this year after only five made the 53-man roster in 2024, but good luck finding a player from another position to cut instead," DeFabo said.

The other wide receivers fighting for a spot are Ke’Shawn Williams, Roc Taylor, Brandon Johnson, and Lance McCutcheon. The odds aren’t in favor of any of these players, even though Williams had a strong preseason game against the Jaguars, recording two catches for 55 yards and a touchdown.

Steelers' Wide Receiver Room May Not Be Loaded With Star Power, But It Has Depth

Johnson, Taylor, and McCutcheon have all shown flashes of potential, but aren’t widely expected to make a serious push for the 53-man roster. Taylor stands out as the most exciting name among them. The undrafted free agent has impressed throughout training camp and made a strong case to stick around. However, it remains to be seen if there will be room for him on the final roster.

It’s a good problem for the Steelers to have, as many fans worry about the lack of star power beyond Metcalf in the wide receiver room. While the group may not be loaded with household names, it does appear to have depth and talent, which could prove valuable throughout the season.

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