Would Gabe Davis be the Steelers answer to their wide receiver question?
There is no denying the Pittsburgh Steelers have a need still at wide receiver. Nothing against the receivers they have on their roster, but an upgrade at the position could be the difference between an offense which is extremely difficult to defend, and one which doesn’t keep opposing defensive coordinators up at night.
Monday afternoon news hit the wire that the Steelers were hosting wide receiver Gabe Davis for a second visit on Tuesday, and many are speculating he could be the answer to their wide receiver question.
This per ESPN’s Adam Schefter:
Former Jaguars and Bills WR Gabe Davis is flying back to Pittsburgh today and is scheduled to visit the Steelers on Tuesday for a second time this off-season, per source. Steelers continue seeking WR help. pic.twitter.com/buVwZXmOd0
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 18, 2025
For those who might not remember, Davis made his rounds on the free agent circuit as minicamps wrapped up and teams were leaving for their break before training camps started. For those keeping score at home, Davis also met with the Saints, Giants, and 49ers this offseason.
He left all of those meetings, including the first meeting with the Steelers, without a contract being signed.
Davis has made some big plays in his career, almost all with the Buffalo Bills, which makes many wonder why he remains unsigned. The answer to that question isn’t about his ability as a receiver, but his knee which ended his 2024 season early. Davis suffered a torn meniscus, which many are speculating won’t be healed properly for the start of the season. Some have even suggested he wouldn’t be fully ready to play until October.
When the Jaguars released Davis in May, it was a giant red flag as to what was going on with his health, and the organization’s thoughts on if he could return to what they thought he would be when he was acquired via free agency.
But, for the sake of this discussion, let’s talk about Davis not from a health perspective, but a talent perspective. Is he the answer for the Steelers wide receiver question?
Last season with the Jaguars, appearing in 10 games, he caught 20 passes for 239 yards with a pair of touchdowns before suffering the aforementioned knee injury and missing the rest of the season. Davis is 6’2″ and 255 lbs., very similar to DK Metcalf at 6’4″ 229 lbs. and some think their play styles are too similar.
I won’t go that far.
If Davis is healthy, he at least is another weapon who can draw the attention of the defense away from double teaming, or triple teaming, Metcalf, but also keep the safety out of the box to stop the run. Davis would have to prove he still has “it”, but if he is capable of doing that, it can help the Steelers offense.
A great example of this was in last week’s preseason game where the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were loading the box with regularity in the first quarter. Then Roman Wilson got behind the safety for a big play, and things changed. Suddenly the Buccaneers didn’t load the box as much, and it opened up the run. Sometimes the threat can be exactly what the team needs to get the matchups they desire. Throw in the fact he’ll likely sign and be a cheap option, it does make sense.
However, the more I think about it, the more concerned I am with the injured knee which didn’t just end his season last year, but saw the Jaguars cut ties with him. That gives me much more pause than if his play style is too much like DK Metcalf.
But that’s just me.
If you think Davis leaving without a contract means he won’t be signing, it is now being reported Davis is going to visit with the Buffalo Bills after his visit with the Steelers.
Sources: The #Bills are expected to host WR Gabe Davis on a free-agent visit this week after he meets with the #Steelers today.
Davis had his best years in Buffalo, totaling over 3,200 yards and 35 TDs across four seasons (including playoffs). pic.twitter.com/IVtUMv7WUl
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) August 19, 2025
What do you think? Would Davis be the answer for the Steelers wide receiver question? Let us know in the comment section, and be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers.
It’ll be good to see if Davis’ meniscus has recovered to the point where he can play again.
Meanwhile, Pgh has signed an EDGE from the UFL’s Michigan Panthers, Kenny Willekes–please let Ed C. know, he’d appreciate that, I’m sure.
a true Pittsburgh Steelers fan, since the 70’s NO! Gabe Davis isn’t the answer at wide receiver Steelers Omar Khan wasted his time picking up more than enough garbage already for example Aaron Rodgers, Jalen Ramsey, and D.K. Metcalf
C’mon, what of Kenny Willekes? Big-time UFL pass rusher? My research falls on deaf eyes?
Garbage? Really?
Rodgers isn’t prime Rodgers, but he’s still better than anything we had at the position last year, and a clear step up from Mason Rudolph. He’s just fine as a one year fill-in. Metcalf doesn’t have as much raw talent as Pickens, but he’s more mature and professional. And Ramsey gives us an actual legit third CB.
Even if you think that these are poor football players, calling people “garbage” is a poor look.
I am starting to think that Ed is one of those guys who goes against the grain just so that he can be different.
He’s too stylistically like DK?? Uhh, sooo, he’s a fast, plus with contested catches willing blocker that can stretch the field? Why would any team want two of those? Those types of comments never made sense to me.
Is he healthy? Can he play WR at the level needed for a #2, and is he willing to embrace that role in the Steelers offense? If the answer is yes, then give me a room full of those guys.
Agree 100% Joe B!
I don’t think Gabe Davis is the answer for the #2 WR position.
Does he have to even be “sure fire” WR #2 though? I doubt if the Steelers would be paying him true WR #2 money at this point. Even if he was WR #3 or less he’s still probably an upgrade over what’s there now. Granted, if he isn’t a WR #2 then the Steelers still have a hole there and I get that. Short of a trade, though, I don’t think that there are any other potential WR #2s available. I would give him a shot for the money it would cost.
I do think this team could use another big body wr who can win the 50/50 ball. Calvin Austin may be able to spread the field, but as much as Russell Wilson thought he could (sorry), he is not winning the jump ball at 5’9. With Roman Wilson and Scotty Miller looking good in preseason, I feel less of a need for a middle of the field guy who can get open via his route running and ability to separate from a db. I think in 3 and long, Davis could alleviate the focus from DK. I would think it’s a move similar to Mike Williams last year. This all assuming Davis is the big body styled player I think he is. I could be way off
I was keen yesterday with the news of his 2nd visit filtering through, but not so sure now. If bills are still in on him, I figure that wouldn’t be the worst thing – would give them more reason to try shopping Curtis Samuel more, but leave them with less leverage.
That’s a combo Omar can work his magic with, offer a late day 3 pick swap and hopefully take on as little of Samuel’s salary as possible. Obviously Samuel is a bit older and just as injury prone in recent years, if not more so. But a healthy Samuel is the more complete receiver as a superior route runner, and he played well in January this year… Problem is, both players are coming off injuries so each carry legitimate risks, but Samuel fits Rodgers/our system better so he’s my preference to challenge for wr2.
For what he’d cost, and that’s probably not too far above vet minimum at this point, it’s probably a “no lose” proposition. If he regains his form then great, the Steelers have a decent #2 or #3 WR for well-below market value. If he can’t play then what’s the loss? I am sure that he’ll be good enough to be WR #4 or #5.
What the Steelers can’t do is, like last year, wait until Week 8 or whatever to get a guy and expect him to produce like he’s been with the team all year.