Steelers Could Have Some Intriguing Receiver Options As Roster Cutdowns Begin

The Pittsburgh Steelers have wrapped up their 2025 preseason and have begun the process of cutting their roster down to 53 players. While the team has to make 38 cuts, they will almost certainly be looking to add players at a few positions as well, with one of the most significant positions of need being wide receiver. Second-year player Roman Wilson, who missed all but 5 snaps in his rookie season, will be expected to contribute right away, but despite a promising preseason, he's still largely an unknown. With the official NFL cut deadline being on Tuesday, their options will be plentiful.

One of the more obvious moves could be signing free agent wide receiver Gabe Davis, who finished 2024 with the Jacksonville Jaguars before being released in May. Davis has already had two visits with the Steelers in the summer, as the team checked on his health. The receiver had 239 yards and 2 touchdowns in 2024 before suffering a torn meniscus in his knee and missing the final 7 games of the season. His second visit with the Steelers ended without a contract, and he went on to visit his former team, the Buffalo Bills, so his signing with Pittsburgh is in doubt. Still, he could be an intriguing downfield option on the outside, opposite wide receiver DK Metcalf. 

Another intriguing name for Pittsburgh could be Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick, a good player who has been pushed back on the depth chart due to the emergence of Jameson Williams and the drafting of third-round selection Isaac TeSlaa. Patrick had 33 catches for 394 yards and 3 touchdowns in 2024, making him a name to watch for that could give Pittsburgh some much needed experience in the receiver room. Patrick is also a reliable blocker, something of an important quality that the Steelers look for in Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith's offense.

Steelers Could Look At Former Jets' Day 2 Draft Pick For Receiver Help

One name that is looking increasingly likely as a cut candidate is New York Jets wide receiver Malachi Corley, the team's third-round draft pick in 2024. Corley finished his rookie campaign last year with only 3 catches for 16 yards, in a season where he got little playing time. He quickly became buried on New York's depth chart, and a new regime means that the Jets could be looking to move on from him quickly. With little production, it's unlikely that a trade would materialize, but the receiver's intriguing size profile (5'11", 215 pounds) and age (23 years old) could make him a player of interest for Pittsburgh. The Steelers did show previous interest in Corley, who came in for a pre-draft visit in 2024. Coming out of Western Kentucky, Corley drew comparisons to Washington Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel due to his size and yards-after-catch ability.

While the Steelers look to shore up their official 53-man roster to begin the 2025 season, they will almost certainly look for outside help at multiple positions. The team is likely looking at making a move for a quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft, and General Manager Omar Khan has made it clear that he doesn't want to part with any draft capital. With very little depth at the receiver position, the team could be looking for help among possible cut candidates. Whether it's Davis, Patrick, Corley, or other name, Pittsburgh knows that it needs another target for quarterback Aaron Rodgers outside of Metcalf. We will know for certain on Tuesday, August 26th, when the NFL cutdown deadline passes and teams begin to sign outside help.

What do you think about the Steelers' need for another receiver? Let us know in the comments below!

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