Steelers Players React to Signing of Dwayne Haskins

The Steelers have a gap of their tight ends room, as four-year starter Vance McDonald retired on Friday.

That leaves Eric Ebron because the workforce’s projected starter for 2021, and that gained’t be an enormous change, as Ebron out-snapped McDonald and began 9 video games to McDonald’s 12. With out one other veteran possibility, it’s doubtless the Steelers will use fewer two-tight finish units, however the concern of backups will have to be addressed.

Michigan product and former fifth-round choose Zach Gentry has but to be an element via two seasons and missed most of 2020 with an harm, however as he’s beneath contract and the workforce is dealing with a wage cup crunch, he appears more likely to maintain onto that job.

The Steelers have choices for a 3rd tight finish, securing the services of Dax Raymond and Charles Jones on reserve/future contracts for the 2021 season on Thursday. However the man that appears most definitely to step up into that position is third-year professional Kevin Rader.

Rader, a Pine-Richland and Youngstown State alum spent his second season with the Steelers in 2020, however bought his first style of motion in Week 17 at Cleveland with the Steelers selecting to relaxation starters.

He made the a lot of the alternative, significantly on particular groups, the place he performed in practically half of the workforce’s snaps, made three tackles and drew reward from head coach Mike Tomlin.

“Guys like Kevin Rader had a possibility to step up and play,” Tomlin mentioned. “I feel he had three tackles on kickoff. For an offensive participant to have that kind of contribution in web, in a protection unit I feel was spectacular. That’s good for him. That’s good for us as we transfer ahead.”

Rader can be on a reserve/future contract, with no assured cash for 2021, but when he can proceed to indicate the power to contribute on particular groups and assist as a blocker, the place McDonald excelled and Ebron doesn’t, plainly he can actually carve himself out a job in Pittsburgh in 2021.