The Pittsburgh Steelers have experienced a chaotic and dramatic 2025 offseason, creating significant attention across the league. Although offseason programs have only just begun, the Steelers have already made headlines this offseason with a number of big roster moves. These changes include both notable acquisitions and impactful departures that have left key positions with a gap. One of the most pressing and widely discussed holes remaining is at the wide receiver position.
Following the recent departure of former Steelers wide receiver George Pickens, there has been growing speculation about who might rise to the occasion or be brought in to help fill the gap. The uncertainty at the position has sparked considerable debate among fans and analysts as the Steelers work to finalize their roster ahead of the new season.
Addressing the situation on his podcast Kaboly + Mack, Steelers insider Mark Kaboly weighed in with his perspective. During the episode, he brought up former Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Gabe Davis as a potential option to consider.
"I think he would fit in here nicely, but it's all to do with money; I think it does. You don't want to overpay, but I think it's tough because you don't want to be left in the lurch either," Kaboly shared.
There are still several quality free agent wide receivers available, which makes the situation in Pittsburgh even more intriguing. Davis is now among them after finishing last season with the Jaguars. Initially, Davis was brought in to serve as the team’s top receiver.
However, that quickly changed when the Jaguars drafted Brian Thomas Jr., who had an outstanding rookie season. The situation shifted even further when Jacksonville selected Travis Hunter with the second overall pick in this year’s draft, pushing Davis down the depth chart and he ultimately was then released by the organization.
The Steelers made a major move this offseason by acquiring veteran wide receiver DK Metcalf. Metcalf adds a commanding presence to the offense, and has a lethal combination of elite physicality and a lot of knowledge about the game. Pittsburgh demonstrated their long-term investment in him by giving Metcalf a new five-year deal worth $150 million, highlighting the franchise's confidence in him as a key part of the team’s future.
When Metcalf was first acquired, fans were thrilled about the prospect of him teaming up with Pickens to form a dynamic receiving duo. However, after Pickens' departure, many were left confused by the decision to break up what could have been an unstoppable pair. While there's still excitement about who will ultimately line up alongside Metcalf, some fans feel that despite his clear value and upgrade to the offense, the wide receiver room is now nearly back to square one.
Having two strong wide receivers is necessary for any successful NFL offense. A strong receiving duo forces opposing defenses to spread their coverage, making it harder to double-team one particular player and opening up more opportunities across the field.
This not only enhances the passing game but also helps the run game, as defenses can't stack the box as easily. In today’s league, having just one standout receiver is often not enough, teams need multiple threats to stay competitive and unpredictable.
Steelers May Not Bring Anyone Else In At All
Amidst all the speculation about potential additions, many people are weighing in, and yet few are pointing to someone already on the roster. In recent drafts, the Steelers have invested in wide receivers, and with offseason programs now in motion, it's possible that one of their current players could step up to fill the gap, at least for the time being.
The Steelers have also been accumulating draft capital for future drafts through a combination of trades and potential compensatory picks. This approach not only strengthens their long-term flexibility but also positions them well to make a significant move if they decide the timing and opportunity are right. With added assets at their disposal, the front office has the chance to be aggressive should the right deal present itself.
