Steelers Have Reason For Not Landing WR Gabe Davis Exposed

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a need in the minds of some within the fan base that they need to land another veteran wide receiver. As it stands heading into the 2025 NFL season, Pittsburgh has DK Metcalf to be the star of that group, while Roman Wilson and Calvin Austin III will need to be highly productive to carry the supporting roles. Beyond those three, many have cited that the wide receiver room needs additional help to provide depth, reliability, and veteran leadership. Adding another proven option could help the offense remain consistent throughout the season.

It can’t hurt to get some additional veteran help, and 26-year-old free agent wide receiver Gabe Davis visited the Steelers for the second time on Tuesday. Despite the visit, he left again without signing a contract, leaving fans to wonder why a player with his experience didn’t come to terms with the team. The repeated visit and departure sparked questions about whether there were underlying issues in negotiations or role expectations.

On 93.7 The Fan on Wednesday, Steelers insider Jeff Hathhorn revealed why Davis didn’t sign in Pittsburgh. According to Hathhorn, the primary factors were related to the specifics of the contract and how the Steelers envisioned his role within the offense. While Davis’ decision leaves the Steelers without that veteran addition for now, it also signals that the team may continue exploring other options to bolster the wide receiver room before the 2025 season gets underway.

"The Steelers made him an offer he could refuse," Hathhorn said on 93.7 The Fan on Wednesday.

The Steelers apparently had a low offer for Davis, and he didn’t agree to the terms. It’s not a trivial situation, but what’s most interesting is that Davis is now set to visit with the Buffalo Bills. During his time playing with the Bills and quarterback Josh Allen, Davis was pretty reliable. In his four seasons in Buffalo, Davis caught 163 receptions for 2,730 receiving yards and 27 touchdowns.

An injury hurt his momentum in the NFL when he was with the Jacksonville Jaguars, but he’s still in his prime. If he can stay healthy, many Steelers fans feel he would be a big benefit to this offense. The other concern is that the Steelers had medical concerns about Davis. It didn't appear that Pittsburgh wanted to pay much for the risk associated with bringing Davis in. In their opinion, it seemed health was also a concern.

Steelers' Arthur Smith Has Elite Tight End Room To Work With

With Aaron Rodgers in town for the 2025 season, likely in what will be his solo season in Pittsburgh, the Steelers are all in on trying to win a Super Bowl. Adding any additional veteran help could be a significant boost for the offense. Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith is going to have his hands full integrating so many new faces. However, he does have an elite tight end room to work with.

That tight end room, featuring Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith, and Darnell Washington, is one of the deepest and most versatile groups in the league. It is a strength for Smith and his offense, which is why the wide receiver concerns are not as worrisome, because Pittsburgh does have options at tight end who can make plays in the passing game and help ease the pressure on the wide receiver room.

Do you want to see the Steelers land the former Bills wide receiver Gabe Davis? If not him, which wide receiver would you like to see added to the roster? 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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