Steelers Veteran Free Agent Signing Now Facing Uphill Battle To Make 53-Man Roster

The Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver room has given fans a bit of concern heading into the 2025 season. The group experienced major turnover after 2024, with George Pickens traded to the Dallas Cowboys and the Steelers swinging a blockbuster move for DK Metcalf. Metcalf immediately became the star of this offense, but the depth behind him remains a real question mark. 

To add experience, the Steelers signed veteran wideout Robert Woods in the offseason, a move that at the time seemed like a safe bet to bolster the rotation. Woods was widely expected to secure a roster spot, perhaps competing for the WR3 or WR4 role. Even longtime Steelers insider Gerry Dulac predicted Woods had a '100% chance' to make the team during his Thursday chat with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. 

Saturday’s preseason matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, however, raised fresh doubts. Woods played a team-high 24 offensive snaps at wide receiver, yet failed to register a single catch. The Steelers had 10 different pass catchers record a reception, but Woods was not one of them, leaving fans and analysts puzzled. It's fair to say that Woods doesn't appear to be a lock anymore to make Pittsburgh's 53-man roster.

The Steelers ultimately lost the game 17-14, but as always in preseason the final score matters far less than the individual performances on the field. These games are designed to evaluate younger players and test depth, which makes Woods’ quiet outing even more concerning. At 33 years old, he is not in Pittsburgh to prove long-term upside. He was brought in to provide veteran reliability, but instead he looked like a non-factor in an offense searching for consistency at wide receiver.

Right now, the locks in the wide receiver room appear clear. Metcalf, Roman Wilson, Calvin Austin III, Ben Skowronek, and Scotty Miller are all expected to make the team. That is already five receivers, and it is worth remembering that the Steelers only kept five on the active roster ahead of the 2024 season. 

This year they are expected to carry six at most, which leaves one spot open. For Woods, that sixth slot was supposed to be his safety net. Instead, his underwhelming play is opening the door for others.

Steelers UDFAs Have New Shots At Making Team's 53-Man Roster

Names like Roc Taylor are quickly gaining traction, as the young wideout continues to flash in practice and preseason action. Even longshot players such as Max Hurleman are now in the mix, pushing for opportunities that seemed out of reach just weeks ago. The coaching staff has made it clear that roster spots will not be handed out based on name recognition, and Woods’ lack of production only strengthens the case for a younger player with more upside.

For Woods, the situation is quickly turning into an uphill battle. What once seemed like a guaranteed roster spot now feels like a fight for survival. The Steelers value toughness, consistency, and playmaking, and unless Woods can deliver in the final preseason stretch, his Pittsburgh tenure could be over before it really begins. 

At this point, his path to the 53-man roster is slipping away, and the Steelers may be ready to move on in favor of fresh legs and a brighter future at wide receiver. While veteran experience is valuable, Mike Tomlin may prefer to take a chance on a younger prospect rather than stick with a 33-year-old who has struggled to make an impact in the preseason. 

Woods managed just one catch for four yards in the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars a week ago, which only adds to the concern about his role moving forward.

Do you think Woods will make the Steelers 53-man roster when the time comes? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me.

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