Steelers Plan to Host Big-Play WR After Releasing Hyped Rookie Playmaker: Report

The Pittsburgh Steelers moved on from undrafted rookie Roc Taylor on Monday. But the team may quickly find his replacement in veteran Gabe Davis.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the Steelers will host Davis for a visit Tuesday. This will be the second time Davis will be in Pittsburgh since the beginning of June.

The veteran receiver’s second visit is coming the day after the Steelers made several roster moves, which included Taylor’s release. SI on Steelers’ Jack Markowski referred to Taylor as a “fan favorite rookie wide receiver” who “had a fair amount of hype surrounding him.”

The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo reported the Steelers also released linebacker Devin Harper and defensive tackle Breiden Fehoko on Monday. The team has already filled the three vacancies that came from their releases.

Also on Monday, the Steelers signed defensive back Kam Alexander, long snapper Jake McQuaide and offensive tackle Julian Pearl.

Davis spent the 2024 season with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He only played 10 games because of injury.

But while playing four seasons with the Buffalo Bills from 2020-23, Davis averaged 16.7 yards per catch and scored 27 touchdowns in 64 games.

Steelers Hosting WR Gabe Davis Again

Davis made his first visit to the Steelers on June 4. He traveled to Pittsburgh but didn’t leave with a contract.

Over the past week, pundits have suggested the Steelers are still interested in adding another veteran wideout this offseason. Davis visiting Pittsburgh confirms that narrative.

Without Taylor, the Steelers are down to nine receivers on their 90-man roster. Six of them appear to have a strong chance of making the roster but that could greatly depend on other position battles.

Last offseason, Davis signed a three-year, $39 million contract to join the Jaguars. Jacksonville released him this spring with a “failed physical designation.”

Davis sustained a torn left meniscus on November 17 and missed the final seven games of 2024.

The injury, though, doesn’t explain all of the disappointment from Davis’ one season in Jacksonville. In 10 games, Davis had just 20 receptions for 239 yards and two touchdowns with the Jaguars. He averaged 12 yards per catch.

In two of his four seasons with the Bills, Davis posted more than 17 yards per reception. During 2023, he had 45 catches for 746 yards, averaging 16.6 yards per reception, and seven scores.

Steelers Release WR Roc Taylor in Slew of Roster Moves

Taylor appeared to have an outside shot at making Pittsburgh’s roster because of his strong play this summer. But that hope came to an end Monday.

The undrafted rookie had two catches for 38 yards on three targets in his preseason debut last week. He then had three receptions for 39 yards Saturday during Week 2.

Markowski sees Taylor as a candidate to quickly latch onto another NFL team.

“Standing at 6’1″ and 213 pounds with strong hands, it wouldn’t come as a surprise if he were to catch on with another team upon hitting waivers,” wrote Markowski.

Taylor played both offense and special teams for the Steelers in the first two weeks of the preseason. He had 163 catches, 2,375 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in 44 college games at Memphis.

His best college season came during his junior season when he had 69 receptions for 1,083 yards. He averaged 15.7 yards per catch.

Alexander and Pearl likely face long odds to make Pittsburgh’s roster. They have about a week before the NFL roster cutdown day.

But they will each give the Steelers extra depth at their positions in Week 3 of the preseason.

The Steelers added McQuaide shortly after insider Mark Kaboly reported Pittsburgh long snapper Christian Kuntz suffered a broken sternum.