With mandatory mini camps getting underway, fans will get the opportunity to see a majority of the Steelers team on the field. There are various different position battles that will take place and play a big role in trimming the roster from 90 to 53 players. But which current Steelers players could find themselves looking for a new team by the time September rolls around?
The 5 Steelers on this list face a crucial couple of months. All of them will be locked in intense position battles in training camp and the preseason, and minor mistakes could leave them off the 53 man roster. Some of them are longtime Steelers and others are newer to the team. Regardless of their past with the Steelers, all 5 of these players' futures with the team could be in jeopardy.
1. Zach Gentry
Zach Gentry is entering his fifth season as a Steeler and it could be his last.
The Steelers have a bit of a logjam at tight end after drafting Darnell Washington in the third round of this past draft. Historically, the Steelers only keep three tight ends on the 53 man roster. Pat Freiermuth and Washington as mentioned earlier are locks to make the roster. That leaves a battle between Gentry and second year utility man Connor Heyward for the last tight end spot.
Theoretically, Heyward could be listed as a fullback and make the roster. However, I think undrafted rookie Monte Pottebaum will impress enough in camp to win that spot, leaving Heyward to make the roster as a tight end. With those three making the roster, that leaves Gentry on the outside looking in.
Gentry's main role on the team is as a blocking tight end, as he's only amassed 38 receptions for 299 yards over the previous two seasons. However, the addition of the towering 6'7'' Washington fills that blocking tight end role and Washington provides more upside as a receiver. For those reasons, I think Gentry will find himself looking for a new team come September.