Steelers Set Sights on Gabe Davis as New Receiving Corps Anchor Following George Pickens Departure

In a move that sent shockwaves through the NFL, the Pittsburgh Steelers have reportedly turned their full attention to wide receiver Gabe Davis as a potential cornerstone for their retooled offense—just days after the stunning trade of George Pickens. The front office at Acrisure Stadium appears ready to shake up the depth chart and usher in a new era of Steelers football, and Davis may be the centerpiece of their bold new vision.

Steelers fans were still reeling after the unexpected deal that sent George Pickens packing. Once hailed as the next great Steelers wideout, Pickens had shown flashes of brilliance and developed a reputation for jaw-dropping catches and explosive athleticism. But behind the scenes, tension brewed—rumors of locker room friction and disconnect with offensive leadership had begun to surface late last season.

With Pickens now out of the Steel City, Pittsburgh’s receiving corps has been left with a significant void. And the Steelers are wasting no time looking for an answer. According to multiple league sources, general manager Omar Khan and head coach Mike Tomlin have zeroed in on Buffalo Bills free agent wide receiver Gabe Davis as a prime target.

Gabe Davis, who played his first four seasons in Buffalo, brings a different flavor to the field than Pickens. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing in at 225 pounds, Davis is a physical deep threat who thrives in contested-catch situations and doesn’t shy away from high-pressure moments. His breakout moment came during the 2021 AFC Divisional Round, when he torched the Kansas City Chiefs for 201 receiving yards and four touchdowns—a performance etched into NFL playoff lore.

Though his numbers in Buffalo fluctuated with the Bills’ offensive game plan and the emergence of other targets like Stefon Diggs and Dalton Kincaid, Davis has continued to prove his value as a reliable, big-play threat. For Pittsburgh, the appeal lies in his toughness, playoff experience, and ability to stretch the field vertically—key ingredients for surviving the slugfests of the AFC North.

The Steelers’ decision to part ways with George Pickens sent a strong message: attitude and cohesion matter just as much as talent. While Pickens dazzled fans with highlight-reel catches, questions about his consistency, effort, and sideline behavior loomed.

In contrast, Davis brings a reputation for professionalism and team-first mentality—traits Mike Tomlin has long prioritized. And with quarterback Russell Wilson entering what may be his final act in the NFL, the Steelers are determined to surround him with dependable weapons.

With Davis, Pittsburgh would get a proven red-zone target and a veteran who understands what it takes to win. It also doesn’t hurt that he’s still just 25 years old—young enough to grow with a team that may soon be transitioning to a younger quarterback like Justin Fields or another future draft pick.

Bringing in Gabe Davis wouldn’t just be a move for the short term—it would send a strong signal that Pittsburgh is building a new offensive identity. The team’s current receiving group, featuring Calvin Austin III and veteran Allen Robinson, lacks the physical presence and vertical explosiveness Davis offers. His arrival would give the Steelers a legitimate X-receiver who can command safety attention and open lanes for the run game.

There’s also the question of how this impacts the draft and the team’s cap space. Davis would likely command a significant contract, especially with several teams in the market for experienced wideouts. But if the Steelers believe he can be their version of A.J. Brown or Mike Evans—a physical wideout who transforms the offense—the price tag may be worth it.

Negotiations between Davis and the Steelers are reportedly in early stages, and no deal is imminent. But with Pittsburgh’s urgency and Davis’s desire for a larger role, a union seems increasingly likely. Should the deal materialize, it could be one of the most impactful signings of the offseason, and a defining moment for a franchise at a crossroads.