Camp is a time for players to prove themselves, and for these five Steelers, it is their last chance to make it in the NFL.
The NFL is a cruel business that churns through players quickly. Few players get second chances, as there are always a plethora of other young and hungry players that are ready to compete if another player falters. For the Steelers, most of the starting roster is already set, but camp will be critical in determining the last few active spots or so as well as the practice squad. For some players, this camp will be critical if they want to see their NFL career continue, as getting cut outright could lead to their final exit from the league. Here are the five Steelers whose last chance in the NFL is the 2021 camp.
Steelers Zach Gentry
The expectations were never high for Zach Gentry, as the former fifth-round pick entered the league as a former quarterback with below-average athleticism. The hope was that he could develop into a solid number two and a decent red zone threat given his immense size. On paper, his best-case scenario was becoming a lesser Jesse James for the team. Through his first two seasons, it doesn’t appear as though he is on that path.
The worst thing is, the Steelers have had little use for him on game day. He has played just 69 career offensive snaps so far, a low number for even a backup tight end. He was injured last season, but he was a healthy scratch each week until the team needed him as an injury replacement. If he loses out on the roster, especially to a player like Kevin Radar, it’s hard to imagine another team giving him a shot. This is it for him, and if he isn’t an adequate backup by the end of camp, Gentry may struggle to find work afterward.