Re-Signing Zach Gentry Doesn't Rule Out Drafting TE for Steelers
PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers have all three of their tight ends back on the roster for another season. After inking Zach Gentry to a new deal, he, Pat Freiermuth and Connor Heyward will return to the tight end room for a second year together.
But does it mean the end of the Steelers' thoughts of drafting a tight end as well? While popular opinion says yes, it shouldn't be brushed off so quickly. The Steelers have two tight ends on the roster, but the questions to Gentry's role and Heyward's positional fit mean there's still a chance Pittsburgh adds another name.
Gentry played a primary backup role for the Steelers in 2022, but his effectiveness on the field wasn't very efficient. He finished the year with 132 yards and no touchdowns, and while many highlight his blocking as his primary role in the offense, it's still a developing piece to his game.
As for Heyward, there are two thoughts here. First, he never really lined up too much at tight end, but more in the slot or off the ball. As of now, he may be listed as a tight end, but he doesn't play much of the position - and with his size limitations, he likely won't get down to block edge rushers much.
Also, while the team decides on the future of the fullback position, it feels like a real possibility Heyward takes over for Derek Watt in 2023. He might not be a line of scrimmage blocker, but coming from the backfield, he can handle defenders, and with the ability to catch out of the backfield or line up in the slot, Heyward seems more of a tweener than a tight end for the Steelers.
So, who will they look at? So far, Alfredo Roberts has attended Penn State's Pro Day, which featured mid to late-round pick Brenton Strange.
A name like Darnell Washington out of Georgia might be a little too high for the Steelers, but anyone in the middle to late stage of the draft is certainly on the table. And if it's an option that brings strong blocking capabilities, you should instantly consider that player an option.
Pittsburgh might have three tight ends on paper, but they could still be looking to fill the position - and the NFL Draft offers options.
Make sure you bookmark All Steelers for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!
Ben Roethliseberger Calls Out Steelers Cheap Free Agency Tactics
Steelers Bring In John Michael Schmitz for Pre-Draft Visit
Steelers Sign OT Le'Raven Clark
Lamar Jackson's Contract Saga Takes Wild Turn
3 Safeties Steelers Can Replace Terrell Edmunds With
- Subscribe to the All Steelers YouTube Channel
- Follow All Steelers on Twitter: @si_steelers
