4 Steelers whose futures are in doubt after the 2021 draft

Eric Ebron

Now, to be fair, Eric Ebron’s time with the Steelers appeared to be coming to a close when he redid his deal. In doing so, his contract voids at the end of the season, meaning he will be a free agent once the 2022 season begins barring a contract extension. While not unthinkable that he re-signs, it appears as though the team will move on next year without him.

The Steelers landed Pat Freiermuth in the second round of the draft this year, and while Ebron will likely start over him, there is little reason to believe that will be the case long term. Tight ends typically take a season or two to develop as pros, meaning that Freiermuth can take 2021 as a developmental year while he plays snaps as the top backup. He will see the field, yes, but he likely won’t become the starter that early.

Once Ebron’s contract is up though, would the Steelers be willing to pay him big money to retain him? Likely not, and it seems more likely that the team rolls with Freiermuth as the starter after this season. Him being selected in the second round really seems to close the door on Ebron remaining with the team past this season.