The Pittsburgh Steelers shook up their offseason by trading for DK Metcalf, pairing him with the explosive George Pickens to create a formidable receiving duo. However, while the top of the depth chart shines, the bottom remains a concern. Enter Robert Woods coming off his worst season yet. At 32, can he really provide the depth the
Steelers need, or is Pittsburgh’s gamble on Woods a sign of a bigger problem?
Will Robert Woods be the fix for Steelers' young offense?
Steelers reportedly trading WR George Pickens to Cowboys | Pro Football Talk | NFL on NBC
Instead of using the 2025 NFL Draft to address a thin wide receiver corps, the Steelers went a different route.
They selected quarterback Will Howard and running back Kaleb Johnson as their only offensive picks leaving out a rookie receiver or any real development on the depth chart. The team is clearly placing its trust in Metcalf and Robert Woods to carry the load. But is that a smart bet?
Signing the 32-year-old Woods to a one-year, $2 million deal may seem low-risk, but it raises more questions than answers. After all, Woods is coming off the worst season of his 12-year career with just 20 catches, 203 yards, and zero touchdowns. On a Texans team ravaged by injuries, Woods still couldn’t make an impact. That’s not a bad year, it’s a decline.
Still, Pittsburgh is hoping Woods can provide veteran leadership and solid run-blocking, shoring up a fragile receiver room. But this move feels more like desperation than a strategic play. With Calvin Austin III still unproven, and limited options beyond Metcalf and Pickens, is Woods really the answer?
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Why trading George Pickens to Dallas could backfire spectacularlyArthur Smith’s offense values physicality and veteran know-how, but relying on Woods, who hasn’t scored in over a year, feels like patching up a much bigger problem. The Steelers had a chance to inject some youthful energy into the position during the draft but chose to roll the dice on a veteran who might be past his prime. If Woods can turn back the clock and make an impact, it will be a welcome surprise. This move is more of a gamble than the Steelers are willing to admit. As they chase playoff contention, the weight of this decision could make or break their chances.