With OTAs in full swing, we often forget that teams are still looking to add talent to their roster between now and the start of the preseason. Pittsburgh Steelers General Manager Omar Khan is desperate for an upgrade at the wide receiver position, and a new report fuels his desire. There could be help on the way for the receiving corps in Pittsburgh if reports become reality.
Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that 'former Bills and Jaguars WR Gabe Davis is scheduled to travel to Pittsburgh on Wednesday to visit with the Steelers on Thursday.'
If everything goes to plan on both sides, it wouldn't shock anyone to see Davis sign a deal with the Steelers. He remains in free agency, searching for his next opportunity after getting cut by the Jacksonville Jaguars earlier this offseason. The former deep threat of the Buffalo Bills has struggled to stay relevant since departing from quarterback Josh Allen.
After signing a massive three-year, $39 million contract with the Jaguars in free agency, he became a cap casualty a year following a failed physical. A nagging injury derailed his season, which caused his stock around the NFL to sink. Davis has decent long speed and impressive body control that could be a fantastic deep threat if he returns to form. Adding this former explosive receiver might provide insurance, but he won't be the upgrade the team needs.
A marriage between the Pittsburgh Steelers and free agent receiver Gabe Davis won't last
Gabe Davis won't be the savior that Steelers Nation has been hoping Khan would land. Davis struggled with an injury last season in Jacksonville, but it's hard to imagine him returning to the type of player he was with the Bills. Aaron Rodgers could wind up being his quarterback this season, which should elevate his numbers, but there are no guarantees. Ideally, Pittsburgh would locate a quality replacement for George Pickens.
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Khan signing a receiver like Davis would only prolong their continued problems at the receiver position—problems that continue to resurface every year.
They tried bandaging this roster cavern with names like Van Jefferson, Scotty Miller, Mike Williams, and other lower-tier options last season. Khan failed to learn his lesson after moving Pickens in a deal without having an obvious replacement lined up. It has led to constant rumors percolating around the club.
The Steelers adding Davis to the roster would be better than what they had last season. He might not be a great second option, but he would provide competition for the unproven options on the depth chart. Rodgers will want veteran players who know what they're doing, and having Davis and Robert Woods on the team would accomplish that task.
We must wait and see if Davis officially joins the Steelers once his visit wraps up. If he does, it will trick Khan into believing his problems at the receiver position are solved when they wouldn't be. Signing a free agent of this stature would be infusing a former playmaker who can provide a veteran presence, with the hope that Roman Wilson or Calvin Austin III emerge from the depth and develop into the pieces their offense needs.