Cowboys tight end Blake Jarwin would a perfect fit for Steelers

The Steelers could be razor-thin at the tight end position next year. Here’s why signing a player like Blake Jarwin could be the right move.

The Steelers had some of the least productive tight ends in the NFL in 2019. Though Pittsburgh was without Ben Roethlisberger, Vance McDonald managed a pathetic 7.2 yards per catch on his 38 receptions while Nick Vannett pitched in just 6 catches in 13 games. McDonald and Vannett rated out as the 70th and 68th best tight ends this year, respectively.

While production at the tight end position will undoubtedly go up with Ben Roethlisberger at the helm in 2020, Pittsburgh’s problems stem beyond a lack of involvement in the offense. Vannett is an unrestricted free agent this offseason, and it’s still unclear whether or not the Steelers will look to retain him.

Perhaps even more concerning is Vance McDonald’s contract. The soon-to-be-30-year old tight end is set to make $14.2 million over the next two seasons, and the Steelers have the 3rd least amount of cap space in the NFL. With the $12 million Pittsburgh could save by cutting him this offseason, McDonald could be a cap casualty.

Even if Vannett and McDonald are retained, the Steelers could still use help at the position. One player they should have their eyes is Blake Jarwin. The 25-year old tight end had his best season with the Dallas Cowboys in 2019.

Jarwin’s 31 receptions on 7 starts last year doesn’t exactly jump off the page, but his athleticism and ability after the catch are intriguing. At 6’5” and 246 pounds, Jarwin is a bit leaner than what Pittsburgh is used to, but he is a long strider who can stretch the field vertically.

In 2016, the Steelers offense was nearly unstoppable when Ladarius Green was healthy. The athletic tight end averaged an incredible 16.9 yards per catch with Ben Roethlisberger. Unfortunately, Green’s stint in Pittsburgh lasted just 6 games before he was forced to retire with concussion scares.

Jarwin is an athlete who tested well in the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, and broad jump at his Oklahoma State Pro Day. He could make an excellent pairing with Big Ben and would be a cheaper alternative to a player like Eric Ebron or Hunter Henry.

Unfortunately, Jarwin is a restricted free agent. The Cowboys will likely throw a second-round tender on him to make sure he doesn’t get poached. However, if they feel that the price tag is too high, Pittsburgh may be able to jump in and make an offer.

I like Vance McDonald, and I think he will have a bounce-back year in 2020. However, his cap number is unreasonably high for next season, and he’s likely in the last few years of his career. Teams rarely get an immediate return when drafting a tight end. I think looking to sign one is the right option, and Blake Jarwin could be a great fit for the Steelers.