The Pittsburgh Steelers are wasting no time in reshaping their wide receiver corps after the recent trade of George Pickens. The latest headline? Gabe Davis, a free agent wide receiver, is scheduled to visit the Steelers this Thursday. This move signals Pittsburgh’s intent to address a glaring need and potentially add a proven vertical threat to their offense.
Table of Contents
Gabe Davis: The Latest Free Agent Target
Gabe Davis, who turned 26 this year, is making waves in the NFL free agent market. After being released by the Jacksonville Jaguars last month, Davis is set to meet with the Pittsburgh Steelers in what could be a pivotal moment for both parties. The Steelers, fresh off the Pickens trade, are in dire need of a reliable WR2. Davis, known for his big-play ability and red zone presence, fits the profile of what Pittsburgh traditionally covets in a receiver.
Last season with the Jaguars, Davis played in 10 games, recording 20 receptions for 239 yards and two touchdowns before a torn meniscus ended his season prematurely. Despite signing a significant contract with Jacksonville, Davis never fully integrated into their system, leading to his release as the team pivoted to younger talent. Now, with Jacksonville still covering $11.5 million of his 2025 salary, Davis represents a low-risk, high-upside option for the Steelers.
Why Gabe Davis Makes Sense for Pittsburgh
The Steelers’ wide receiver room is in flux. With George Pickens now in Dallas, Pittsburgh needs a dependable target to complement DK Metcalf and develop alongside emerging talents like Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson. Veteran Robert Woods remains on the roster, but expecting him to consistently produce at a high level is optimistic at best.
Gabe Davis brings several key attributes:
- Proven Playoff Performer: Davis etched his name in NFL lore during the 2021 playoffs, catching eight passes for 201 yards and four touchdowns in a single game against Kansas City.
- Big-Play Ability: In his four years with Buffalo, Davis averaged nearly 17 yards per reception and demonstrated a knack for explosive plays, including multiple 100-yard games.
- Red Zone Threat: At 6’2” and 210 pounds, Davis has the size and physicality to win contested catches and be a factor near the goal line.
Here’s a quick look at Davis’s career stats:
| Season | Team | Games | Receptions | Yards | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-2023 | Buffalo Bills | 64 | 163 | 2,730 | 27 |
| 2024 | Jaguars | 10 | 20 | 239 | 2 |
| Career | 74 | 183 | 2,969 | 29 |
The Steelers’ Wide Receiver Room: A New Era?
The Steelers’ decision to bring in Gabe Davis comes at a critical juncture. The current depth chart features DK Metcalf, Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson, Robert Woods, Ben Skowronek, and Scotty Miller, along with several undrafted free agents. While General Manager Omar Khan has publicly expressed confidence in the team’s internal options, the pursuit of Davis indicates a willingness to explore external help and avoid a repeat of last season’s offensive struggles.
Financially, the situation is favorable for Pittsburgh. With the Jaguars absorbing most of Davis’s 2025 salary, the Steelers can offer a team-friendly deal, similar to the arrangement that brought quarterback Russell Wilson to Pittsburgh last year. This flexibility allows the front office to address other needs while potentially landing a receiver with significant upside.
What’s Next for Gabe Davis and the Steelers?
Gabe Davis’s visit to Pittsburgh is more than a routine free agent meeting—it’s a strategic move that could reshape the Steelers’ offense heading into the 2025 season. If Davis impresses during his visit and passes medical evaluations, expect negotiations to move quickly. The Steelers are clearly focused on budget-conscious, high-upside acquisitions rather than splashy, expensive signings.
For Davis, Pittsburgh offers a fresh start and the chance to reestablish himself as a top-tier deep threat in the NFL. For the Steelers, adding Davis could be the first step in rebuilding a receiver group that’s undergone significant change in recent weeks.
Steelers fans should keep a close eye on this development. If the team signs Gabe Davis, it could mark the beginning of a new era for Pittsburgh’s passing attack—one built on speed, size, and the ability to stretch defenses vertically.
Stay tuned for updates as the Steelers and Gabe Davis move closer to a potential deal. Your thoughts and reactions are welcome—what do you think of Gabe Davis joining the black and gold?
Share your opinion below and join the conversation as the Steelers look to reload for another playoff push.