In the early hours of May 7, the Pittsburgh Steelers stunned much of the NFL world by agreeing to trade star wide receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys, creating a significant hole in their receiving corps. Though the return included future draft picks, Pittsburgh now faces a critical question: Who will help fill the void left by their most dynamic playmaker?
In the days following the deal, the Steelers signed veteran Robert Woods, giving them a reliable but aging presence in the wide receiver room. With OTAs approaching and a quarterback situation still fluid, Pittsburgh may not be done adding help. Several experienced free-agent receivers remain unsigned — each with the potential to provide immediate value.
4 Free Agent WRs Who Could Help Steelers After George Pickens Trade
1) Amari Cooper
One of the most accomplished names still available, Amari Cooper posted a 1,250-yard season for the Browns in 2023. Traded last October, his 547 yards and four touchdowns were split between the Cleveland Browns and the Buffalo Bills. A crisp route runner with seven 1,000-yard seasons under his belt, Cooper remains a dangerous outside threat. Though he turns 31 in June, his consistency and experience in AFC North battles would bring instant credibility to the Steelers’ offense.
2) Keenan Allen
A six-time Pro Bowler, Keenan Allen remains one of the NFL’s premier route runners. In 2024, he tallied 70 catches for 744 yards and seven touchdowns with the Bears. Though he’s now 33, Allen’s ability to work underneath and move the chains makes him a reliable target, especially for young quarterbacks or systems built on rhythm and precision.
3) Tyler Boyd
A familiar face in the AFC North, Pittsburgh native Tyler Boyd is coming off a 2024 campaign where he caught 39 passes for 390 yards with the Tennessee Titans. Steelers fans know him better for his eight seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, where he amassed 6,000 yards and 31 touchdowns. While no longer a featured option, Boyd thrives in the slot and would provide a dependable target over the middle — a trait that fits well with Pittsburgh’s current offensive direction. Boyd, 30, also brings leadership and could ease the transition for a young or rotating quarterback room.
4) Gabe Davis
Gabe Davis — the youngest of the four at age 26 — has flashed big-play potential throughout his career, particularly during his time with the Buffalo Bills. His best season came in 2022, when he and Josh Allen connected for 836 yards and seven touchdowns. However, last season in Jacksonville, Davis suffered a season-ending knee injury in week 11, which limited him to 239 yards and two touchdowns. The Jaguars released him on May 7. Though inconsistent, thrives in vertical passing schemes, and would complement Pittsburgh’s current group by stretching the field — an element they’ll sorely miss without Pickens.
Robert Woods Brings Stability, Physicality For Steelers
Less than a week after the draft, Pittsburgh moved quickly to add 13-year veteran Robert Woods. The 33-year-old brings over 8,000 career receiving yards and valuable postseason experience from stints with the Bills, Rams, Titans, and Texans.
Known as a savvy route runner and above-average blocker, Woods adds toughness and versatility. He especially shines in the middle of the field, catching 15 of 20 targets for 151 yards between the hashes last season — an area Pittsburgh will likely emphasize more in 2025 to improve efficiency and support the run game.
Pittsburgh’s wide receiver room currently stars DK Metcalf. Beyond that, there are distant WR3 options, but no clear WR2. Whether or not another wily veteran is brought in to fill that role, it’s evident that the Steelers are reshaping their receiver room — and they have options.