Will Robert Woods start opposite DK Metcalf — what can Steelers fans expect in 2025?

USA Today

21-05-2025

Will Robert Woods start opposite DK Metcalf — what can Steelers fans expect in 2025?
Days after the Steelers completed a run-defense-oriented 2025 NFL Draft, Pittsburgh added former Super Bowl champion Robert Woods. With 12 years of NFL experience — and several concerns surrounding the current state of the Steelers' offense — what can fans expect from the veteran wideout in 2025?
Mike Williams re-run?
At 33 years old, Woods is at the tail end of what has been a great career — but the Steelers proved last season how much they value veteran receivers on offense. Mike Williams, a 30-year-old veteran WR whom Pittsburgh acquired ahead of the 2024 trade deadline from the Jets, shined bright in his Steelers debut — catching a game-winning TD from Russell Wilson. But after that, he sparingly saw snaps and targets — catching just nine balls total for Pittsburgh all season. Clearly, the Steelers undervalued and underappreciated Williams' presence on offense — but Woods' situation could be different, even though he's three years older.
Career resurgence in the Steel City
Back in 2024, Woods was buried behind talented receivers on the Houston Texans roster — including Nico Collins, Stefon Diggs, Tank Dell, and John Metchie. He played just 37% of snaps — despite 2023 being a solid year for the veteran. Aside from Diggs, Woods was with the same receivers two years ago — but had a more active role in the offense. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Woods averaged 2.6 yards of separation in 2023 — tied with Davante Adams, and ahead of DK Metcalf's, Garrett Wilson's, George Pickens's, and A.J. Brown's 2.5-yard averages. Even at 31 years old, Woods was getting open and proved he could be a viable addition to any offense — he just needed a chance.
Putting it all together
While it would be silly to compare Woods' 2025 potential to that of a top-20 WR in the league, he should still contribute more than Williams did last season. Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson are likely competing for slot receiver snaps — leaving the door open for Woods to go almost unchallenged for the other outside WR role opposite Metcalf.
His veteran presence will speak volumes for a Steelers organization trying to move past its tendency to draft and trade for diva-esque receivers — but the overall ceiling of his production will likely depend on who's under center in 2025. If Aaron Rodgers truly signs on to play with the Steelers, Woods could finish out his career on a high note — a last-ditch career resurgence for the 12-year NFL vet.