Shortly after the 2025 NFL Draft concluded, the Pittsburgh Steelers made a subtle but smart move—signing veteran wide receiver Robert Woods to a one-year, $2 million deal.
At first, I admit, I was with the fans who saw this move as a reflection of what the Steelers did not do in the draft: Add another weapon for the quarterback room that is still under construction. It felt like a consolation prize in a year where Pittsburgh prioritized toughness and physicality over flash on offense.
But after revisiting the tape, I see things much differently.
Woods is still a technician—slippery in space, sharp in his cuts, and able to create separation against just about any cornerback. His veteran influence is what Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson need right now.
The Pittsburgh Steelers need Robert Woods to become a mentor to Roman Wilson and Calvin Autin III
Arthur Smith’s offense is not a fit for every receiver, especially young ones still learning to read coverages and work the middle of the field. But Woods has built a career doing just that. It makes him the perfect bridge between where Austin and Wilson are and where they could go.
This signing is not just about receptions—it is about mentorship.
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Austin showed flashes last year, hauling in 36 receptions for 548 yards and four touchdowns while stretching the field at 15.2 yards per catch. He is a burner but still needs polish in short-area footwork and route discipline.
On the other hand, Roman Wilson had a redshirt rookie season due to injury. 2025 will be his chance to prove why the Steelers drafted him—and there may be no better teacher than Woods, who made a living from doing the little things right.
Ultimately, this low-cost, low-risk signing might become one of Omar Khan’s smartest moves. It is not about headlines—it is about development. And with Woods in the building, Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson now have a chance to grow into the reliable, explosive slot threats the Steelers need in their new-look offense.