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.
Virgil Green
Take everything said about Stocker, add in a slightly (very slightly) better receiver, and you have Virgil Green as a free agent option. The long-time Bronco and then Charger has never developed into the receiving weapon that some thought he could be after seeing an increase in targets in 2016, but he is a steady contributor that would once again be an upgrade over what the Steelers currently possess at the position.
Green began taking on a more limited role with the Chargers last season as age is clearly catching up to him. His playtime is slipping, and his receiving ability is only getting worse, but he should still be a serviceable blocker for another season or two. He may be happy to accept the Steelers’ third tight end role, as it would mean a more defined role as a blocker and play better into his strengths.
The biggest drawback for Green at this point is he hasn’t played a lot of special teams snaps since 2015. If the Steelers signed him, it would be as a third-string, blocking option only. That said, considering he can be a slightly better receiving threat than the aforementioned Stocker, he could be a better fill-in if injuries struck the team. Either way, he would be a cheap insurance option for the team.
Sean Culkin
This may be the most unknown name of the group, but Sean Culkin would make a lot of sense for the Steelers at this point. He doesn’t have the veteran stats that either Green or Stocker have at this point, but he makes up for it with decent athleticism and the flexibility to play as a fullback as well as just a traditional tight end.
Culkin actually had some hype around him this past offseason, as he was noteworthy for being one of the first NFL players to have his salary converted to Bitcoin. That opportunity won’t come with the Chiefs anymore, but it could come from the Steelers. He is a utility player that can throw a great block. One just has to remember the block he delivered to the team last year when he was on the Ravens active roster.
Culkin doesn’t have as much anchoring power as the two aforementioned veterans, but he can do the dirty work required of a number three tight end. He can play on special teams, throw a block, and has the versatility to play fullback if Derek Watt gets injured. Far from a notable name, Culkin is one that makes a lot of sense given the multiple different hats he can wear.
Jesse James
While I had written that Stocker was a sensible free-agent addition at tight end, Jesse James is by far the better fit. In what would be a welcomed reunion after a short stint with the Lions, James could come in and be a capable offensive threat and blocker. While some hype up his parting comments (aka the Kardashian comments), it should be noted they were made at a time when the Steelers were fielding a roster that had quite a few contrasting personalities. His claims certainly weren’t invalid.
The real issue with him returning to the Steelers is that he may want more of a role than what he would be offered with the team. He had hopes of being the top guy with the Lions (that’s why he got paid as much as he did) but then the team drafted a complete tight end in T.J. Hockenson with their top pick. That lead to James barely playing and tumbling down the depth chart.
If James market is bad enough that his best offer is being a third-string tight end though, he would be a great fit to have back. Better yet, the Lions got him more active on special teams, meaning he could serve in that role with the Steelers. While his name seems unlikely given the role he would have if that is the best offer he is getting right now a reunion should be in the cards.
Richard Rodgers
Richard Rodgers is one of those pros that you feel like has been in the league forever, but he is only 29 years old and had a bit of a career resurgence last year with the Eagles. Remembered for the Miracle in Mowtown that he caught from Aaron Rodgers, the other Rodgers has found a niche role in the league.
Until last year, it seemed like he was resigned to be blocking backup for the remainder of his career. Then, the Eagles suffered some injuries at tight end and brought back Rodgers. He responded by having his best season since 2015. There is clearly some gas left in the tank as both a blocker and a receiver. For the Steelers, he would easily be the best free agent they could add to their tight end depth chart.
As well, Rodgers played over 30 percent of the Eagles’ special teams snaps last season, proving that he has value all over the field. Signing him doesn’t just give the Steelers a better third-string option, it gives them three capable tight ends that can all contribute. This could lead to multiple tight end sets and new offensive packages to confuse defenses. Easily, of the names still floating on the market that are realistic, Rodgers would be the cream of the crop.
The Steelers got a great value by drafting Freiermuth early in the draft this offseason, but that doesn’t mean the group shouldn’t be added to. Adding any one of the five names above would strengthen the backend of this depth chart significantly. While not a must-have, getting an improved blocking tight end to complete this depth chart would be a huge win for the team.