For months, the Pittsburgh Steelers were widely expected to target a wide receiver early in the 2025 NFL Draft, with a clear need to find a strong complement to George Pickens. That need was ultimately met in a major way when the Steelers made their biggest move of the offseason—trading a second-round pick to acquire and extend star wideout DK Metcalf.
The deal significantly reduced the urgency to draft a receiver and provided Pickens with a high-profile running mate who brings even more defensive attention than he does.
Pittsburgh ultimately chose not to draft a wide receiver, instead using its only offensive picks on quarterback Will Howard and running back Kaleb Johnson. With DK Metcalf acquired via trade, the Steelers focused their draft capital elsewhere, trusting that Metcalf and George Pickens would form a formidable receiving duo while adding depth at other key positions on offense.
That left the lower end of the wide receiver depth chart unsettled—until Monday, when the Steelers moved quickly to address the gap. With the top of the lineup solidified by DK Metcalf and George Pickens, the team turned its attention to reinforcing the supporting cast, aiming to build out a more complete receiving unit.
Now the Steelers have added a potential complement to DK Metcalf by signing veteran wide receiver Robert Woods to a one-year, $2 million deal. Woods, a seasoned and respected presence in the league, brings experience and reliability to Pittsburgh’s receiving corps. The signing became official on Thursday, giving the Steelers a proven option to round out the depth chart and support their revamped offense.
Robert Woods is coming off a disappointing 2024 campaign with the Houston Texans, where he recorded career lows with just 20 receptions for 203 yards and failed to score a touchdown for the first time in his 12-year NFL career. That total marked a 223-yard drop from his previous low in 2023, even as injuries decimated the Texans’ receiving corps around him.
While that decline raises some concerns, the Steelers aren’t bringing in Woods to carry a heavy workload or command a large target share. His role will likely be more complementary—offering veteran depth and leadership—without significantly cutting into Calvin Austin’s snaps in the slot.
Robert Woods brings more to the table than just veteran presence—his ability to step in as a Z or slot receiver, paired with his strong run-blocking skills, gives him a clear path to early playing time in Arthur Smith’s offense. Smith’s system values physicality and discipline on early downs, and Woods’ blocking remains a strength even as his receiving production has dipped.
He’s also a quarterback-friendly target, known for his ability to settle into soft spots in zone coverage, reliable hands, and a high football IQ. These traits made him a key piece of the Rams’ offense during his prime, where he gained a reputation for doing the dirty work few receivers embrace.
Though his role in Pittsburgh will be more limited, Woods’ fit as a steady, situational contributor in a growing offense positions him to carve out meaningful snaps in 2025.
