Who Should I Start? Robert Woods or Jalen Coker

Monday, April 28, 10:25 PM

The Pittsburgh Steelers signed veteran free-agent wide receiver Robert Woods to a one-year, $2 million deal on Monday, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Woods will give the Steelers a new target and a strong locker-room presence for whoever end up being their starting quarterback in 2025. The 33-year-old former Super Bowl champion will be competing for a roster spot in training camp this summer as receiving depth behind starters DK Metcalf and George Pickens. Even if Woods were able to somehow beat out the likes of Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson for the WR3 job in Pittsburgh, he's probably not going to be attractive in most fantasy leagues given the team's QB situation. The former second-rounder by the Buffalo Bills in 2013 out of USC only mustered 20 catches for 203 yards and no touchdowns in 15 games (four starts) for the Houston Texans in 2024.

Tuesday, June 17, 2:43 PM

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker enjoyed a relatively productive rookie campaign in 2024, securing 32 of his 46 targets for 478 yards and two touchdowns. That's a solid season of productivity for an undrafted rookie out of Holy Cross, and he could be a contributor in 2025. However, Joe Person of The Athletic did not include Coker as a roster lock at wideout. He listed Adam Thielen, Tetairoa McMillan, and Xavier Legette as safely making the 53-man roster and mentioned rookie Jimmy Horn is likely to make the team thanks to his skills as a returner. The team only carried five wide receivers last season to begin the year, so that leaves Coker, Hunter Renfrow, Dan Chisena, David Moore, and Jacolby George potentially fighting for the last spot. "Special teams is going to be such a huge piece of that puzzle. How can these guys help us in the coverage units? Can they help us as a returner?" Head coach Dave Canales said. "That's the part where we get to challenge our guys to find a role, take this thing seriously. 'You're not here just to catch passes. We only get so many helmets on game day, so we need all of you guys to contribute in different ways." Coker is likely the "favorite" to win a roster spot, but this situation should be monitored. Should Coker not make the team, there should be plenty of interest in his services.