4 Steelers that could use a new home in the new year

2021 is going to look very different in Pittsburgh. Here are four Steelers who could use a new home in the new year.

While the Steelers started off on a hot streak early in the season, they have recently flickered and struggled to remain competitive over the past six weeks (with exception of their recent victory against the Colts). While their recent win against the Colts was inspiring, their three straight losses were certainly a blow to their legitimacy. With the season quickly closing, the team will soon have to make some difficult decisions with personal –  both those whose contracts are up and those that may need a fresh start. Here are the four Steelers that will need a new team in the new year.

Vance McDonald

While he found a lot of success early in his Steelers career, Vance McDonald has fallen on hard times recently. Injuries coupled with the addition of Eric Ebron has made him the second fiddle at tight end, and it has led to a major regression in stats. While he was never a top tier threat as a pass-catcher, his 66 receiving yards this season has been his worst output as a Steeler.

Given he has a sizable cap hit next year and the team will still have Ebron under contract, it seems likely that the Steelers part ways with McDonald. His career shouldn’t be over, as he has taken his blocking to the next level this year. That said, blocking tight ends aren’t worth the money he is making, thus making the need for a fresh start even more prevalent for him.

McDonald should have a small market, but it won’t be for anywhere near the money he is making right now. He could even circle back to the Steelers if he is willing to play for the veteran minimum. That said, with Ebron likely still under contract and little route for playing time, McDonald would be best suited in a new uniform. His play hasn’t been bad in 2020, but his role is not worth the money he is making.