TE Depth

I say Washington because it would be like having a 6th OL on the field, although they have bigger needs than TE #2.

 

I don't think so....No freaking way the Steelers didn't know He wasn't coming back after the chicken feed they gave Him last year.....they weren't going to offer Him anymore.

 

Matt Canada

Sorry I just wanted to stick that in before one of the resident trolls had a chance

 

Not loving the idea of retaining Gentry as our #2 TE because I’m thinking they now ignore it in this deep draft class for the cheap rookie upgrade.

 

This makes sense to me when we have so many other needs. Drafting a TE to be a #2 or #3 seems like a luxury that we can't afford right now.

 

Gentry is 6-8, throw him a high pass and who could defense it in the end zone or anywhere. Are his hands that bad?

 

We have had 6'6 TEs and tall WR in the past couple, seems like forever someone has been saying that, but it was never mastered or let alone tried.

 

They have too many holes, and not enough draft picks, re-signing Gentry might allow them to address other positions.

 

Yea this is one I dont get. I understand not giving the tender, but at this point giving him a one year contract is would not be much more than a rookie. If nothing else it provides a body in camp who knows the system. If the plan is to go another direction at least have proven depth in case your guy is not there and for injury. Get through camp, if he does not make the cut you are not out much. if anything.

 

Yeah, you would think, but it doesn't happen much with these physical giants. Some great ones played college basketball like Antonio Gates or both college football and basketball like Jimmy Graham and Tony Gonzalez. They know how to shield out the defender while going to the ball.

I read Gentry was a high school QB and had offers from Michigan, Texas and Alabama, took Michigan where Harbaugh converted to TE

 

I see this signing as an insurance policy only. It won't prevent us from drafting a TE. What it does is it keeps us from having to reach for a TE. This allows us to stick with BPA. I like it.

 

So many players? You make it sound as if we are stacked. We have no more and def LESS game changing players on offense than most other teams.

KFP - Right now, below average and rising.
Najee - Slightly above average and hopefully still rising.
DJ - Solid mix of very good and frustratingly middling or bad. He isn’t getting any better. He I s who he is At this point.
Pickens - If he can keep his head on straight and then learn how to separate better and improve his rout running and not rely so much on supremely athletic and contested catches he will most likely be a super star.
3rd WR - Who is he???
Freirmuth - Just above average and also hopefully still getting better in receiving, but still not the best in the league and below average blocker.
Gentry - Average to below average at both receiving and blocking? He fills me with inertia. I like him as our 3rd TE.
Heyward - Who knows exactly what he is, how good he is and how good he might be at this point. And that includes the coaching staff.

So, the ball still has places to go and not dominated by any one person or group. Nothing is outstanding - including the coaching staff or game planning.

I’m in a foul mood today and partially because of what I think this signing is signaling. I was hoping to see the team make a jump in free agency while we have a rookie QB in the salery cap and then fill in some spots with cheaper guys and the draft.

Now, I just see us inching forward (hopefully).

 

I`m glad we kept Gentry.

 

It always amazes me when people say they have so many holes to fill and not enough draft picks and then the team signs a low tier player who is a known quanity that fills a hole and doesn't use up a draft pick and then fans aren't happy about it. Gentry is solid depth and the bonus is that if they don't re-sign Watt or another fullback they can use Heyward and then Muth and Gentry at the same time.

 

I agree, but they never listen to Me.

 

If KFP takes a step forward......everyone You named, and others will also take a step forward.

 

DJ’s stats will improve, but he as a player I think has is maxed out. And he’s good. Very good even (when he’s not doing those few things that drive us nuts).

But he walks away after this season and as it stands the Steelers will have nothing to soften the loss or get something from it.

But if they can find a good trade partner for his services…

 

DJ is under contract for two more years, so I doubt he will be walking away .

 

I left out down the line players like Warren (who I love like most fans) and Gentry because their targets are very small and usually safety net dump offs once a play breaks down unless it’s a run.

Austin - I’m am really hoping that guy is who we all hope and not some unlucky bastard who got caught up in some injury universe. I’m far more optimistic about him and less pessimistic.

Washington - I’m not even concerned about him getting many passes until maybe late this season or next. What I am hoping from him and his size is that he’s a dynamic big blocker for the run game and pass blocking while learning the system and playing in the NFL at first. And hoping his size if he breaks down field keeps LBs and SS’s honest shadowing him. His targets would hopefully come with maturation. But if he broke out as a stat threat right away nobody would be upset.

I won’t keep harping, but where this team seems to be trying to build - a potent offense, by bolstering the o-line while also needing slot help; a very strong prospect in a TE is the one, very unique position, that helps all areas. Having two, if Muth keeps his development is dynamic and almost unstoppable.

I did forget that DJ is here for longer than one season. I thought he signed a two year deal at the beginning of last season. Regardless, I still don’t think he stays for a 3rd contract and as good as he is I’d rather they really utilize all their experience and parlay a trade with him into a scenario that maximizes his value. If they did it with Claypool they should easily be able to do it with DJ. But Simms leaving has probably made this all moot. They can’t start a season with this few WR’s that have very little NFL experience.

 

We don't either, but we accept you. At least you have that. lol

 

You are correct. Matt Canada will stop the steelers offense single handedly.