While I believe that the inherent need for another receiver is overstated for the Pittsburgh Steelers, I do still think a veteran makes sense for this room. I’ve said since he was released: Gabe Davis is the perfect fit for Pittsburgh right now.
The trade for Jonnu Smith and the hope that Calvin Austin and Roman Wilson take that next jump and become competent role players lessen that need at receiver. That said, Davis is still far too intriguing of an option not to roll the dice on.
A big vertical threat, Davis is a one-trick pony, but he does his one trick extremely well. No, being able to win on go routes doesn’t mean he can slip in as an instant upgrade as receiver number two, but he can offer more than enough on offense to make him a worthwhile addition.
The Pittsburgh Steelers need to sign Gabe Davis before training camp ramps up
While the expectation was for Davis to be a core player for the Jaguars, his lone season there didn’t pan out. Because of his contract guarantees, he will essentially be able to play on the minimum this year with Jacksonville fronting the rest of the bill.
Just because he’s cheap doesn’t mean the team needs to sign him; it is just an added bonus. Where the value comes in is his fit in this offense. While Aaron Rodgers will increase the passing attack in Pittsburgh, this still won’t be a heavy passing team.
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That means this team needs to get more out of less from their receivers. Davis does just that, serving as a big play threat who can stretch the field.
Given the volume, you don’t need a dominant target hog as your second option. Terry McLaurin or even Amari Cooper would likely struggle to find consistent roles on this team.
Davis won’t need five or more targets a game to eat. And while his ceiling is certainly lower than the other names, the Steelers don’t need that. They need a guy who can thrive with 25-30 catches in a season.
Beyond this year, if Davis returns to form, he can also fetch a healthy comp pick next year in free agency. The receiver market is hot, so even as just a role player, he can earn somewhere between 10-15 million a season.
If Davis is truly washed (his injury last year would say otherwise), the Steelers can just cut him after training camp. There is no risk for Pittsburgh in this deal.
Will Davis transform this offense? No, but he can play a core role, add 400-500 yards on some big plays, and serve as a great complement for this offense. The Steelers need to pull the trigger on this move as soon as they can.