Steelers' Robert Woods Passed Up Other Opportunities To Stick In Pittsburgh For 2 Big Reasons

The Pittsburgh Steelers brought in 33-year-old wide receiver Robert Woods during the 2025 offseason. At the time, many believed Woods would have a legitimate chance to carve out a role and push for meaningful playing time in a wide receiver room led by superstar DK Metcalf. While Metcalf is one of the most dominant receivers in football, questions still lingered about the depth and reliability behind him. However, as training camp and preseason unfolded, Woods’ roster spot became increasingly uncertain, and by the end of August, his future with the team was very much in jeopardy.

On Tuesday, the Steelers officially informed Woods that he was being released. However, in a quick turn of events, just one day later, he accepted an invitation to return to Pittsburgh on the practice squad. For a veteran with his experience and résumé, many assumed he could seek a more lucrative veteran minimum deal with another team. Instead, Woods chose stability and familiarity over chasing bigger checks elsewhere.

According to Steelers insider Mark Kaboly, Woods’ decision had little to do with money. At this stage in his career, he didn’t need it, and he knew offers would likely be there if he wanted to explore them. What ultimately swayed his choice was his strong connection to the Steelers organization and the opportunity to continue working alongside 41-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Woods valued the chance to be around Rodgers and remain part of a team with serious championship aspirations, making the practice squad role a no-brainer for the veteran receiver.

"Despite earning $77 million over his career, Robert Woods decided to accept a spot on the Steelers' practice squad," Kaboly said. "The reason: He loves playing for the Steelers and especially Aaron Rodgers."

Woods has been a proven playmaker throughout his NFL career, but the 2024 season was a difficult one. He struggled to find consistency, finishing with just 20 receptions for 203 yards and failing to score a touchdown. Now at 33 years old, Woods finds himself at a challenging point in his career. Since entering the league in 2013, he had always secured a spot on a 53-man roster. This year, however, he was released before landing back on Pittsburgh’s practice squad.

While some might see his decision to stay as a sign of limited outside interest, it also highlights what Woods values most at this stage. He believes in what he has in Pittsburgh, even if that means taking a role on the practice squad rather than pursuing a bigger paycheck with another team. At some point during the 2025 season, the Steelers may have to rely on him again, and having a veteran of his caliber available is a luxury for the organization.

Steelers Have Safety Net In Robert Woods

Woods has 683 career receptions, which is a testament to his consistency and production over more than a decade in the league. Although he is no longer the same dynamic playmaker he once was, he still provides reliability, professionalism, and leadership to a young wide receiver room. For the Steelers, keeping him around in any capacity is a win, as his presence adds valuable depth and experience to a roster built to contend.

Being on the practice squad does carry some risk if the Steelers plan to rely on Woods later in the season. Players on NFL practice squads can be signed by other teams at any time. If another team wants Woods and has a need at wide receiver, they can add him to their 53-man roster, which means Pittsburgh could potentially lose him before getting a chance to use him. For now, Pittsburgh has a veteran safety net in Woods on its practice squad.

Do you expect to see Woods activated at some point during the 2025 NFL season? 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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