5 Pittsburgh Steelers free agents who won’t be back in 2022

Steelers TE Eric Ebron

Of all the names on this list, Eric Ebron might be the safest bet not to return to Pittsburgh in 2022. You’d be hard-pressed to come up with a reason why either side would want this. The Steelers overpaid for Ebron’s services over the past two seasons. Now that they have found a much better option moving forward in Pat Freiermuth, the former Pro Bowl tight end has taken a backseat.

In addition, Zach Gentry appears to be filling in nicely as the number two option. His ability to win as an in-line blocker is more valuable than what little consistency Ebron offers in the passing game at this point, and Gentry has been the better player for the team this year.

There’s also no reason for Ebron to want to come back — given the situation. Freiermuth is rarely going to leave the field when healthy and as a former 10th overall pick, Ebron isn’t going to want to play second fiddle in a rapidly diminishing role.

With voidable-year money already due to him when he won’t even be on the roster next year, there is zero chance the Steelers bring him back for another season and just as low of a chance that Ebron would want to return.

The Steelers have other soon-to-be free agents that will likely explore options elsewhere in 2022, but these five contributors are almost certain to be gone next season.