Editor’s note: From now until reporting day to training camp at Saint Vincent College, TribLive is running through the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 90-man roster, looking at each player and assessing his outlook for the 2026 season. The breakdown will run in alphabetical order with two players each day between June 13 and July 28. Contract data courtesy spotrac.com.
WR JOAQUIN DAVIS
Experience/age: No regular season games; 23
Contract status: $885,000 cap hit in 2026; signed a one-year contract
The past: The Broncos signed Davis last May as an undrafted free agent from N.C. Central, a historically Black university in Durham. He caught two passes for 25 yards in preseason action with Denver but was released in August. The Vikings signed Davis to the practice squad in December and re-signed him to a contract in January. He was waived by the Vikings on June 4 and signed by the Steelers a week later.
The 6-foot-4, 195-pounder has the size and speed combination to make him an intriguing prospect. During predraft evaluations, Davis ran the 40-yard dash in 4.44 seconds and showed a 40½-inch vertical leap in workouts at the HBCU Legacy Bowl.
Davis caught 31 passes for 489 yards and four touchdowns as a senior, earning second-team All-MEAC honors. N.C. Central competes in NCAA Division I FCS. Davis played 42 games (31 starts) over four seasons, compiling 92 career receptions, 1,211 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also contributed 15 tackles on special teams.
#NCCUAthletics | Meet Joaquin Davis, a Durham native and NC Central wide receiver catching the eyes of NFL scouts. Davis is a beacon for his city, showing the power of community and hard work. Check out WRAL-TV's feature on Davis. | #WeAreNCCU#EaglePride#NCCULife#BullCitypic.twitter.com/M0kl0ZJ3iX
— North Carolina Central University (@NCCU) August 28, 2024
2026 outlook: Davis gets a fresh start with an offense that is looking for help at receiver. A spot on the Steelers’ practice squad could be a possibility for him.
The team currently has 11 receivers under contract with DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. topping the depth chart. Second-round draft pick Germie Bernard and third-year pro Roman Wilson are likely competing for the No. 3 job.
Others at the position include 2025 Pro Bowler Ben Skowronek and rookie kick returner Kaden Wetjen, who both double as special teamers. Davis, Brandon Smith, A.T. Perry, Cole Burgess and rookie Levi Wentz fill out the team’s receiving corp entering camp.
The Steelers began last season with five receivers on the roster for Week 1.