While the Steelers improved their tight end room in the draft, adding a capable third option from one of these options would be a wise move.
The Steelers finally made a significant draft investment in the tight end position this offseason when they selected Pat Freiermuth in the second round of the draft. While he gives the team a capable reserve and likely an eventual starter, the third spot on the depth chart is very much in question. As of now, Zach Gentry and Kevin Rader are the leaders in making the team, but that is more due to their minimal experience on the roster as opposed to anyone else. Here are five free-agent tight ends that would improve the Steelers depth chart in 2021.
Luke Stocker
I wrote about Luke Stocker being a viable free agent for the team in need of a third tight end earlier, and that narrative hasn’t changed for the most part. While a little older, Stocker has settled comfortably into his role as a blocking tight end. No, he isn’t a threat to make a play with the ball in his hands (heck, he has less than 100 career receptions despite entering his 11th season).
No, what Stocker brings for any team is a cheap insurance option and one that can block effectively from the tight end spot. While that certainly isn’t glamorous, it is what the team really needs from that spot right now. Better yet, he recorded 50 percent of the Falcons’ special teams snaps last season, meaning he has value beyond just playing a minimal role on the offense. Overall, he would be a cheap, low-risk/low-reward option to improve that last spot on the depth chart.