The Pittsburgh Steelers may need help at the tight end position next season. Should they sign a tight in free agency instead of drafting one high?
The Steelers have questions marks at a number of different positions heading into next season. While there are several areas they could look to address in the offseason, tight end is a positional group that has me concerned.
Nick Vannett is an unrestricted free agent who will hit the open market soon if Pittsburgh elects not to give him an extension. Even more concerning, however, is the unreasonable amount of money Vance McDonald is set to receive. The soon-to-be 30-year old tight end is coming off perhaps his worst season as a pro but is set to receive $14.2 million over the next two years.
Because of the minimal dead cap hit Pittsburgh would take if McDonald was released, the tight end could be a cap casualty for the Steelers this offseason. This would really stir things up at the position.
Behind McDonald, former fifth-round draft choice Zach Gentry is the only Pittsburgh tight end under contract. Because of this, the Steelers are expected to look for additional help a the position this offseason.
Tight end has been a position that has been frequently mocked to the Steelers with their first selection in the second round this year (pick 49 overall). But is drafting a tight end high the best way to fix this area of need?
Unlike a runningback or a wide receiver, tight ends typically take years to develop and they are known for having a concerningly high bust rate. Even borderline elite prospects like O.J. Howard rarely make a difference out of the gate and too often falls short of expectations.
With time quickly dwindling on Ben Roethlisberger’s storied career, wouldn’t it be better to get a tight end who is already developed and could come in and make a difference right away?
Several ‘big’ unrestricted free agents will be hitting the market at the tight end position this year. While some of the younger talent (like Austin Hooper, for example) will likely be retained by their initial team, others could be excellent stop-gaps for the Steelers.
Eric Ebron is a name that has often been thrown around. He is unlikely to return to the Colts in 2020, and he is a threat to stretch the seems vertically. For the right price, his services would be welcome in Pittsburgh.
Hunter Henry is a young player who comes to mind. The former 35th overall pick in 2016 could be hitting the market, and at just 25 years old, he could be a potential long-time starter in Pittsburgh.
Obviously, signing these tight ends is going to take a good deal of money, and neither of the aforementioned players are possible to join Pittsburgh without the Steelers ditching McDonald’s lofty contract. However, if Pittsburgh is able to find the money to sign a quality tight end, they could use their second-round draft pick on a position that could help them out right away.