The Pittsburgh Steelers may be trying to give future NFL Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers another familiar target. Pittsburgh hosted veteran tight end Robert Tonyan for a tryout during mandatory minicamp, opening the door for a possible reunion between Rodgers and one of his former Green Bay Packers teammates. Tonyan was one of five players the Steelers brought in, and no immediate signing was reported after the workout.
MORE: Eagles get bad news on 2026 first-round draft pick
Advertisement
Reunion Makes Sense
Sep 28, 2025; Dublin, Ireland; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) reacts after an NFL International Series game against the Minnesota Vikings at Croke Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
It is not a blockbuster move. But it is very easy to understand.
Tonyan spent five seasons with the Packers and had his best year catching passes from Rodgers. In 2020, he caught 52 passes for 586 yards and 11 touchdowns, with an 88.1 percent catch rate. His touchdown total and catch rate were both among the league’s best that season.
That version of Tonyan is not walking through the door anymore. He is now 32, and his recent production has been limited. After time with the Bears and Vikings, Tonyan played for the Chiefs last season, appearing in all 17 games but recording only one receiving yard.
Advertisement
Still, Pittsburgh may not be looking for a featured weapon.
The Steelers already have Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington in the tight end room, but Jonnu Smith was released in March. That leaves room for a veteran who can compete for a depth role, help on special teams, and provide blocking value.
Advertisement
Rodgers Likes Familiarity
The Rodgers connection is what makes this interesting.
The Steelers have already leaned into the Green Bay familiarity, with Mike McCarthy now in Pittsburgh and Rodgers leading the offense. Tonyan would not change the entire passing attack, but he would give Rodgers one more player who understands how he sees the field.
For Pittsburgh, this is a low-risk look. For Rodgers, it could mean one more trusted face in a new offense.
—Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead—