The Pittsburgh Steelers have added veteran wide receiver Robert Woods, signing him to a one-year contract following the conclusion of the 2025 NFL Draft. Woods joins a receiving group that saw significant changes this offseason, including the acquisition of star wideout DK Metcalf.
The deal for Woods is worth $2 million over one season, according to details that surfaced Tuesday. The contract includes a base salary of $1.255 million and a signing bonus of $745,000, which is the only guaranteed money in the agreement. Woods will count $2 million against the salary cap if he remains on the roster for the 2025 season. If released, the team would incur a dead money charge of $745,000.Woods, 33, has played 12 NFL seasons for the Buffalo Bills, Los Angeles Rams, Tennessee Titans, and Houston Texans. He has appeared in 171 career games with 145 starts, recording 683 receptions for 8,233 yards and 38 touchdowns. His tenure with the Texans included the 2023 and 2024 seasons, where he played in 29 games.
His most recent season in 2024 saw decreased production, with 20 catches for 203 yards and no touchdowns. Despite the dip in receiving statistics, Woods is recognized for his run blocking ability. This aspect of his game aligns with the style expected in an Arthur Smith-led offense. Woods is seen as a potential complement in the receiving corps.The addition of Woods provides depth alongside George Pickens and DK Metcalf, the latter acquired in a trade that involved sending a second-round draft pick to his previous team. This trade solidified the top of the receiver depth chart and influenced the team's strategy in the draft, where they did not select a wide receiver.
Pittsburgh focused heavily on defense in the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting five defensive players among their seven picks. Their only offensive selections were running back Kaleb Johnson in the third round and quarterback Will Howard in the sixth round.The draft class included Derrick Harmon (Defensive Tackle, Round 1), Jack Sawyer (Linebacker, Round 4), Yahya Black (Defensive End, Round 5), Carson Bruener (Linebacker, Round 7), and Donte Kent (Cornerback, Round 7) on the defensive side.
Following the draft, the team agreed to terms with seven undrafted free agents, including Sebastian Castro (Safety), J.J. Galbreath (Tight End), Ben Sauls (Kicker), Roc Taylor (Wide Receiver), DJ Thomas-Jones (Fullback), Aiden Williams (Offensive Guard), and Ke'Shawn Williams (Wide Receiver).
In addition to the Woods signing and rookie additions, the team made other roster adjustments. They waived linebacker Thomas Rush and released defensive tackle Montravius Adams Sr. Defensive back Ryan Watts, a sixth-round pick in 2024 who spent the season on the Reserve/Injured List, was also released.
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