Five Steelers players who might be finished in Pittsburgh

Vance McDonald

The Steelers have struggled to find a tight end to replace the big shoes of Heath Miller since his retirement. Vance McDonald is one that could have been much better than he has if not for the injury bug biting him much of his career.

In three years in Pittsburgh, McDonald put up 1,071 yards and eight touchdowns. The problem with him was he was hurt during many games and missed 9 of the possible 48 he has been in Pittsburgh.

McDonald is extremely athletic and fast for his position. He provides the ability to stretch the field and threaten the middle, underneath zones in a defense.

He is a very physical player as the 49ers saw on his stiff-arm touchdown reception in 2018. In that season, his healthiest in Pittsburgh, he put up 610 yards on 50 catches and four touchdowns.

McDonald’s production has been up and down with his injuries and the Steelers need a more consistent presence at the position. His cap hit in 2020 is just over $7 million and his production matches that but only when he is healthy.

The Steelers have a big decision to make on whether risking that cap hit with his health concerns. They are thin at the position but can grab one in the draft or use the roughly $5.6 million saved by cutting him to sign a veteran in free agency.