Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that former free agent receiver Gabe Davis will return to the Buffalo Bills. He returns to northern New York after spending one deteriorated season with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The veteran receiver hopes to rebound his career in Buffalo, where he made a name for himself. His decision has left the Pittsburgh Steelers back to square one.
No matter if you hate the idea or not, Omar Khan and Mike Tomlin appear content with their receivers on the roster. They will lean on Roman Wilson, Calvin Austin III, and DK Metcalf to be their top playmakers at the position. They have a strong tight end tandem with Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith, which should alleviate pressure from Austin and Wilson.
Refusing to add a potential upgrade at the receiver position is a gigantic gamble by Khan and Tomlin.
It remains a significant weakness for the team heading into the season, unless Wilson and Austin prove their value. Davis visited Pittsburgh twice during his stint as a free agent this offseason, but a contract never materialized. It could be best for their business to neglect adding the returning Bills player.
Gabe Davis would've put a bad aid on the Pittsburgh Steelers' receiver problem
In theory, signing Davis would've provided a deep threat to the Steelers' offense. His health remains a question mark for each team that was sniffing around the former free agent. He visited Pittsburgh twice, and there is a reason why they let him leave town without a contract in place. If he is healthy, he should find a solid rebound season in Buffalo, where he was originally drafted.
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The emergence of Wilson and Austin will be the major x-factor for the Steelers' offense. If neither becomes a solid starting-caliber player, missing out on Davis could become problematic. It seems wise to bet on one of Wilson or Austin to develop into a significant role with Aaron Rodgers at the helm. You know Davis is solid, but the two veterans on the roster have a much higher ceiling.
Davis would've only put a Band-Aid on a bullet hole for Pittsburgh. They must solve their own receiver problems internally to start. If neither Wilson nor Austin emerges as a clear second receiver threat opposite Metcalf, then Khan could browse the trade market. After Davis' decision to rejoin Buffalo, there are few options available on the free agent market.
Unless the Steelers are willing to consider temporary free-agent 'upgrades' like Tyler Boyd or Nelson Agholor, they should aim for a bona fide star at the wide receiver position.
They need to add a player from the trade block, such as Alec Pierce or Jakobi Meyers, to make a meaningful impact. Otherwise, they are best hoping for Wilson or Austin to emerge as star players this season.