Ranking the available free agent tight end fits for Steelers in 2023
By Tommy Jaggi
The NFL Combine is the next big item on the agenda for the 2023 offseason, as all 32 teams will have their eyes on players this week in Indianapolis. However, we can't forget that free agency is just around the corner, and prior to the NFL Draft, teams will be looking to fill some holes on their roster in March. The Pittsburgh Steelers are no exception.
There are plenty of positions that Pittsburgh could address in free agency, but tight end is seldom talked about. While the Steelers have a promising young tight end in Pat Freiermuth, Zach Gentry is a free agent and we have to wonder whether or not the team will look for alternative options to fill the role of TE2.
This group of tight ends in free agency is relatively strong this year with names like Dalton Schultz, Mike Gesicki, and Haden Hurst, but the Steelers don't need a TE1. Here are the best free agent fits to potentially become the number two tight end in Pittsburgh.
5. Tyler Kroft would be a stop-gap TE2 for Steelers
At 30 years old and with an eight-year career as a backup, Tyler Kroft isn't going to be giving Freiermuth a run for his money. However, there's value in having a consistent football player who knows his assignment.
Kroft has been a member of four different NFL teams and was most recently a backup tight end for the 49ers. Though he has never been much of a receiving threat, the 6'6'' tight end serves as a quality in-line blocker. Last year, Kroft earned the 3rd-highest run-block grade among NFL tight ends, according to Pro Football Focus.
Kroft is older than Gentry, but he offers experience and knowledge for the position. he could temporarily fill the role of the 'Y' tight end if Gentry elects to sign elsewhere.