The Steelers have left virtually noposition on the roster untouched this offseason, and the tight end group is no exception. Having experienced yet another one-and-done postseason exit, they are trying just about anything to achieve more favorable results. With bold swings via trade, shrewd free-agent signings, and a clear draft priority, the 2026 Steelers are taking shape.
With training camp fast approaching, it’s time to go over the Steelers’ roster to see where we are and how we got here in the first place. This has been an offseason arguably unlike any other for the organization, featuring major turnover. They’ve gone through so much change, it feels necessary at this time to take stock before we move on.
Position: Tight End
Total Positional Figure: 7
Additions: 4
Deletions: 0
Players Retained:
Pat Freiermuth: The Steelers had an overcrowded tight end room last year, and Freiermuth suffered the most. After cutting Jonnu Smith and letting Connor Heyward leave in free agency, there should be more room for him to operate within the offense. Especially in Mike McCarthy’s offense, he should be a key player over the middle and in the red zone.
Darnell Washington: Washington’s new contract extension gives the Steelers two players in the tight end room making $10 million APY or more. Obviously, they wouldn’t be paying him that if they didn’t see a key role for him. Now, he’s already been playing an important role, but what might McCarthy have in store for him?
JJ Galbreath: A college free agent a year ago, Galbreath spent his rookie season as the tight end on the Steelers’ practice squad. There is an outside chance he could compete for a roster spot, but the practice squad is more likely.
Players Added:
Riley Nowakowski: While he’ll function as a tight end, too, the Steelers clearly intend to use a fullback this year. That’s why they drafted Riley Nowakowski, whom many seem convinced will play a lot this year. Of course, he’ll play whenever they want to use a fullback, but he’ll also be a part of special teams. That’s assuming he makes the roster as a fifth-round draft pick.
Jaheim Bell: After losing two tight ends, the Steelers signed Jaheim Bell following the draft. A second-year player, he does have some NFL experience. A shorter, stockier build, Bell profiles best as an H-back. He spent time on the practice squad last year after Washington’s injury
Lake McRee: Signed as a rookie college free agent, McCree figures to compete for a practice squad spot, at best. Basically, he is the long-shot tight end of the offseason, the way Galbreath was last year.
Robert Tonyan: An old Aaron Rodgers teammate, Robert Tonyan, joins the Steelers’ tight end room. Despite being a late addition, he probably understands the Mike McCarthy offense best, having learned it for two years. And he spent most of his career playing with Rodgers, so there is a rapport there. But he still has to earn his way onto the team.
Players Lost: N/A
Notes and Camp Outlook:
We know Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington will be the Steelers’ main tight ends, but training camp should provide some insights into their roles. Obviously, Freiermuth is more a receiver and Washington more a blocker. But how will Washington work within the offense, and how big a part will Freiermuth be with more 11 personnel?
Beyond that, we have to figure out what Riley Nowakowski will be doing and how much we can expect to see a fullback on the field. And will Robert Tonyan sneak his way into the Steelers’ tight end room, three years since last playing with Rodgers?
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