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Should the Pittsburgh Steelers consider a tight end change?

By Noah Strackbein

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - OCTOBER 08: Julius Thomas #89 of the Miami Dolphins tries to avoid the tackle of Adoree' Jackson #25 of the Tennessee Titans in the fourth quarter on October 8, 2017 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FL - OCTOBER 08: Julius Thomas #89 of the Miami Dolphins tries to avoid the tackle of Adoree' Jackson #25 of the Tennessee Titans in the fourth quarter on October 8, 2017 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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The simple answer is yes. The Pittsburgh Steelers are paying Vance McDonald a lot of money, and could find the same talent for a cheaper buck in the free agent market.

This isn’t a team who makes many splashed in the offseason. Signing Jon Bostic and Morgan Burnett in free agency blew the minds of almost everyone in Pittsburgh. For a team known for doing nothing during the offseason, the Steelers made plenty of noise with their two signings.

But it shouldn’t end, yet. There is still one more position this team can upgrade in, but it isn’t talent wise.

Julius Thomas is still floating around the market. A few years removed from his breakout season in 2013, Thomas isn’t an anticipated star anywhere in the NFL. However, runs with the Jacksonville Jaguars, pre AFC Championship run, and the Miami Dolphins didn’t give him much of an opportunity to prove himself the last three seasons.

Thomas wouldn’t even be a thought in Pittsburgh if their current tight end situation wasn’t so expensive. Vance McDonald’s $4,318,750 cap hit in 2018 isn’t pleasing, especially after missing all but seven games last season.

Maybe I’m the only one left who thinks McDonald’s time in Pittsburgh should end, but paying him this much money, it’s hard to argue against it.

Jesse James is the guy. He may not get the start every week, but he’s the only tight end with a secured spot on the roster, and should be treated as so. Xavier Grimble is an incredible athlete who should stick around as the third string, unless Christian Scotland-Williamson proves to be the monster athlete we all hope he does.

They only need someone to sit in between the two of them. Julius Thomas is the perfect fit. He’ll come for little money, likely on a one or two year deal to prove himself. Then, we just need to hope he can go back to his 12 touchdown season ways.

If he can, he’s a win. If he can’t, he’s still not taking $4 million out of the cap space. McDonald may have a higher potential on the field, but he’s certainly not worth the money. Plus, if he gets injured again, it’s just another wasted year without a sound tight end alongside James.

It’s all just a thought, but Pittsburgh should be considered other options. Again, maybe I’m the only one left with the mindset, but paying someone that much money to be a complimentary player isn’t worth it in my eyes.

Next: 3 UDFA who will make the 53-man roster

There are other options out there. Julius Thomas is a low risk, high reward player who can prove to be worth the money. Little money.

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