The Pittsburgh Steelers will host free agent wide receiver Gabe Davis for a visit on Thursday, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The former Buffalo Bills and Jacksonville Jaguars weapon is traveling to Pittsburgh on Wednesday to meet with the team amid its ongoing search for receiving reinforcements.
Davis, still just 26 years old, was informed of his release by the Jaguars on May 7 after a failed physical related to a November meniscus tear. He appeared in just 10 games this past season, catching 20 passes for 239 yards and two touchdowns in what turned out to be his only year in Jacksonville.
Designated as a post-June 1 release, the Jaguars will carry a $5.7 million dead cap hit in 2025 and still owe Davis $11.5 million in guaranteed money this season, according to OverTheCap. That could make him an affordable flier for Pittsburgh — likely on a veteran minimum deal — similar to the contract Russell Wilson signed with the Steelers last offseason while still being paid by the Denver Broncos. Davis inked a three-year, $39 million contract with Jacksonville last offseason, following a promising start to his career in Buffalo.
Across four seasons with the Bills, Davis racked up 163 receptions for 2,730 yards and 27 touchdowns. His breakout moment came in the 2022 AFC Divisional Round shootout against the Kansas City Chiefs, when he torched their secondary for eight catches, 201 yards, and four touchdowns — a performance that etched his name into playoff lore.
Pittsburgh has several reasons to justify its interest in Davis. His age (26), size (6-foot-2, 225 pounds) and vertical threat ability check the boxes for what the Steelers need opposite D.K. Metcalf. His addition would also set up a competitive battle for slot reps between Calvin Austin III and second-year receiver Roman Wilson, who’s reportedly been turning heads at voluntary organized team activities.
Davis also has history with the Steelers — and not the kind they’ve enjoyed. He’s scored a touchdown in each of his three career games against Pittsburgh. In 2022, he burned them for a 98-yard touchdown en route to a 171-yard, two-score performance with just three catches. Head coach Mike Tomlin and general manager Omar Khan have had a front-row seat to Davis’ explosiveness, and may see him as a familiar foe worth bringing into the fold.
But there’s risk here.
Davis is recovering from a significant injury and may not be fully healthy. However, if he returns to form, the Steelers could have a steal on their hands. If not, he risks joining a long list of recent low-cost misses: Donte Moncrief, Allen Robinson II, Mike Williams and Van Jefferson.
The Steelers’ recent flurry of wide receiver rumors — from trade talks for Trey Palmer to interest in Jonnu Smith — makes their intentions clear. Pittsburgh is actively looking to add weapons to the passing game, but they’re shopping in the bargain bin. Whether that ends up being Davis or the field, the front office is betting on untapped potential to fuel a turnaround on offense. A turnaround that may be too dependent on best-case scenarios.
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