The Pittsburgh Steelers willingly made themselves less talented on offense when they traded away receiver George Pickens just months after acquiring Seattle Seahawks star DK Metcalf.

The Steelers’ decision was more than a matter of future draft capital and an extension that seemed increasingly unlikely. Given that Pickens wore out his welcome, it was a move underlined by Pittsburgh’s culture, too.

And if there’s a receiver who embodies head coach Mike Tomlin’s vision, it’s one of Pickens’ replacements, Robert Woods.

As a versatile receiver built on winning along the margins, Woods is more than his production. Now, the Steelers receiver is hoping to follow franchise icon Hines Ward’s footsteps.

“Hines was getting involved in the blocking,” Woods said, via The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo. “But when you really watch him going across the middle, making big catches, taking hits, just being a physical receiver, running with the football, fighting for extra yards, I think that’s the mentality, that’s the mindset of the team (we’re) trying to get back to in the receiver room.”

Woods was targeted 30 times for just 20 receptions and 203 yards. He’s currently penciled into a starting role alongside Calvin Austin III and Metcalf. But with Roman Wilson, Ben Skowronek, and Scotty Miller vying for playing time, it seems more likely that Woods plays an on-and-off role in offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s offense.

Given his willingness to block, it’s easy to see him carving out snaps on early downs and aiding the run game. By the looks of it, he’s craving that opportunity.

“I think a lot of guys are fake tough guys,” he said. “When you get hit, you kind of really see who’s really tough.

“Just being able to deliver the blow every single time. Obviously, you get a guy on the sideline, you hit him once, (he) might come in a little different the next time, and that’s when you’re able to fight for those extra yards and get those first downs. And it’s a long game, and guys don’t want to be hit for four quarters, and you see that. And I think if you have a whole team who is delivering the blow every single play, I think you’ll see teams start turning down.”

Woods is far from the Los Angeles Rams’ premier ancillary target. But his nuance as a receiver, trustworthiness at the catch point, and general tenacity give him some staying power.

In Pittsburgh, Woods has a chance to embody the culture that the Steelers are trying to reinforce. With instability under center and turnover at receiver, that could prove to be a stabilizing force in 2025.

“Finally getting a chance to run with the football and being physical that way, I always wanted to deliver the blow and not be the one receiving it.”