There's a strong possibility the Steelers start the season without adding another wide receiver to the mix, including free agent Gabe Davis.
When training camp opened, Omar Khan boasted confidence in the construction of the roster and said they weren't actively seeking additional help. That truly seems to be the case.
"I'll be honest with you. We made a lot of moves this year, and I feel really good about where our team is right now," Khan said on July 23. "So, to say that we're out there trying to find someone, that's not the case. If an opportunity comes available, you know, we'll look at it, but I feel really good about our team."
One opportunity that came along was after Commanders star receiver Terry McLaurin officially requested a trade last week. As I reported yesterday, the Steelers did reach out about a trade but are not expected to pursue it any further given McLaurin's desire to be a No. 1 receiver wherever he plays. Since the Steelers are paying DK Metcalf $150 million over the next five years, they've committed to him as their top guy.
There are still some remaining options in free agency, but the Steelers aren't actively pursuing any of them. The team did show interest in Davis, hosting him for a free agent visit during minicamp in June. However, he left without signing a contract because the team had serious concerns about his knee.
Davis sustained a torn meniscus in November last year, which ended his season. However, with two years remaining on his three-year, $39 million contract, Davis was cut by the Jaguars on May 7 due to a failed physical, a little over a month prior to his visit with the Steelers. The Steelers' concerns over his health continue to linger and, per source, they do not plan to approach Davis about a contract prior to the start of the regular season.
Amari Cooper and Keenan Allen also remain available in free agency. However, neither receiver have been on the Steelers' radar in any way. And Allen is reportedly in talks with the Chargers, so that doesn't appear to be an option, either.
As far as external options, the only pathway to adding any help prior to the start of the season is via trade. As previously stated, McLaurin's not an option. Jauan Jennings wants a new contract from the 49ers, but there's no real potential for a trade at this time. As far as other rumored options, such as the speculation that the Packers might trade Romeo Doubs, who played with Aaron Rodgers in 2022, that's all it is at this time -- speculation. Should the Packers actually put Doubs on the trade block, I'd fully expect Khan to at least make a phone call.
So, why isn't there more urgency to acquire a receiver before the Steelers officially open the season? First and foremost, the position is healthy. Only Calvin Austin III is dealing with a minor day-to-day injury, and there are no concerns over this lingering. Everyone else is active and practicing. Should anything force the Steelers to alter their plans, injuries will be the primary factor.
That being said, after reaching out to multiple sources, Khan's words aren't just GM speak behind a podium. He, Mike Tomlin and others have a lot of faith in the current state of the position. Roman Wilson hasn't exactly turned a lot of heads during training camp practices, but he has flashed some great moments. The Steelers believe there's plenty more there. That's why they drafted him in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Roc Taylor is also stacking some good days at practice. Most training camps, at least one undrafted free agent makes a push for a roster spot. With the way the first eight practices have gone, Taylor is making a great impression. There's still a long way to go in this process, but as things stand right now, that's another hat that's been tossed into the ring, along with veterans such as Scotty Miller and Robert Woods. Ben Skowronek doesn't exactly belong in that list as he's a lock for the roster, given his two-year contract and unrivaled value on special teams.
Though the Steelers are not actively pursuing any options at receiver right now, it's not only appropriate but necessary to add the caveat that anything can change at any moment. The Steelers weren't actively looking to add anything before McLaurin requested a trade, but that forced Khan into action. If another wide receiver demands a trade, you can bet Khan will do his due diligence. At that point, everything can change.
Khan's taken pride in always looking to improve the roster. While he's viewed as an aggressive GM, his patience is actually the main reason why the Steelers have acquired so much talent this offseason. That was the case with Rodgers, and even with other moves such as acquiring Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith.
Khan continues to remain patient, waiting to pounce on opportunities. The way things stand right now, there likely won't be any significant additions to the wide receiver room before the Steelers and Jets square off Sept. 7 at MetLife Stadium. But, as is life in the NFL, things change from one minute to the next. So, stay tuned.
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THE ASYLUM
Steelers aren't pursuing Davis, other receivers
There's a strong possibility the Steelers start the season without adding another wide receiver to the mix, including free agent Gabe Davis.
When training camp opened, Omar Khan boasted confidence in the construction of the roster and said they weren't actively seeking additional help. That truly seems to be the case.
"I'll be honest with you. We made a lot of moves this year, and I feel really good about where our team is right now," Khan said on July 23. "So, to say that we're out there trying to find someone, that's not the case. If an opportunity comes available, you know, we'll look at it, but I feel really good about our team."
One opportunity that came along was after Commanders star receiver Terry McLaurin officially requested a trade last week. As I reported yesterday, the Steelers did reach out about a trade but are not expected to pursue it any further given McLaurin's desire to be a No. 1 receiver wherever he plays. Since the Steelers are paying DK Metcalf $150 million over the next five years, they've committed to him as their top guy.
There are still some remaining options in free agency, but the Steelers aren't actively pursuing any of them. The team did show interest in Davis, hosting him for a free agent visit during minicamp in June. However, he left without signing a contract because the team had serious concerns about his knee.
Davis sustained a torn meniscus in November last year, which ended his season. However, with two years remaining on his three-year, $39 million contract, Davis was cut by the Jaguars on May 7 due to a failed physical, a little over a month prior to his visit with the Steelers. The Steelers' concerns over his health continue to linger and, per source, they do not plan to approach Davis about a contract prior to the start of the regular season.
Amari Cooper and Keenan Allen also remain available in free agency. However, neither receiver have been on the Steelers' radar in any way. And Allen is reportedly in talks with the Chargers, so that doesn't appear to be an option, either.
As far as external options, the only pathway to adding any help prior to the start of the season is via trade. As previously stated, McLaurin's not an option. Jauan Jennings wants a new contract from the 49ers, but there's no real potential for a trade at this time. As far as other rumored options, such as the speculation that the Packers might trade Romeo Doubs, who played with Aaron Rodgers in 2022, that's all it is at this time -- speculation. Should the Packers actually put Doubs on the trade block, I'd fully expect Khan to at least make a phone call.
So, why isn't there more urgency to acquire a receiver before the Steelers officially open the season? First and foremost, the position is healthy. Only Calvin Austin III is dealing with a minor day-to-day injury, and there are no concerns over this lingering. Everyone else is active and practicing. Should anything force the Steelers to alter their plans, injuries will be the primary factor.
That being said, after reaching out to multiple sources, Khan's words aren't just GM speak behind a podium. He, Mike Tomlin and others have a lot of faith in the current state of the position. Roman Wilson hasn't exactly turned a lot of heads during training camp practices, but he has flashed some great moments. The Steelers believe there's plenty more there. That's why they drafted him in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Roc Taylor is also stacking some good days at practice. Most training camps, at least one undrafted free agent makes a push for a roster spot. With the way the first eight practices have gone, Taylor is making a great impression. There's still a long way to go in this process, but as things stand right now, that's another hat that's been tossed into the ring, along with veterans such as Scotty Miller and Robert Woods. Ben Skowronek doesn't exactly belong in that list as he's a lock for the roster, given his two-year contract and unrivaled value on special teams.
Though the Steelers are not actively pursuing any options at receiver right now, it's not only appropriate but necessary to add the caveat that anything can change at any moment. The Steelers weren't actively looking to add anything before McLaurin requested a trade, but that forced Khan into action. If another wide receiver demands a trade, you can bet Khan will do his due diligence. At that point, everything can change.
Khan's taken pride in always looking to improve the roster. While he's viewed as an aggressive GM, his patience is actually the main reason why the Steelers have acquired so much talent this offseason. That was the case with Rodgers, and even with other moves such as acquiring Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith.
Khan continues to remain patient, waiting to pounce on opportunities. The way things stand right now, there likely won't be any significant additions to the wide receiver room before the Steelers and Jets square off Sept. 7 at MetLife Stadium. But, as is life in the NFL, things change from one minute to the next. So, stay tuned.
Want to participate in our comments?
Want an ad-free experience?
Become a member, and enjoy premium benefits! Make your voice heard on the Steelers, Penguins and Pirates, and hear right back from tens of thousands of fellow Pittsburgh sports fans worldwide! Plus, access all our premium content, including Dejan Kovacevic columns, Friday Insider, daily Live Qs with the staff, more! And yeah, that's right, no ads at all!
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