Steelers' Mike Tomlin Could Definitely Cut A Fan Favorite Ahead Of Week 1

The Pittsburgh Steelers were dominant throughout the 2023 preseason. The team won all three contests and showcased a first-team offense that looked extremely impressive. The unit scored five touchdowns on all five drives that Kenny Pickett was under center for. While opposing teams weren't always playing the top guys on the defensive depth chart, the possessions from Pickett and co. were extremely encouraging. No one is probably happier than Offensive Coordinator, Matt Canada. The play-caller has been under heavy scrutiny since being promoted in 2021 and is fighting for his job in the upcoming 2023 season.

After a successful preseason, Head Coach, Mike Tomlin and his staff will have several difficult decisions to make when it comes to guys who will make the 53-man roster and who will, unfortunately, not make the final cut of the exhibition period. Mike DeFabo, a Steelers writer for The Athletic, wrote about guys who were on the cusp prior to the team's final preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday evening.

He had some interesting players included such as Miles Boykin and Anthony McFarland Jr., but perhaps the most surprising was well-liked tight end, Zach Gentry. DeFabo noted that the Steelers drafting Darnell Washington immediately affected Gentry's roster chances.

"When the Steelers drafted Washington, they turned the tight end room into, arguably, their deepest and most talented position group. They also created extra competition for Gentry, a blocking tight end."

The writer continued describing why the arrival and emergence of Washington is truly affecting the necessity to have Gentry on the roster. The rookie is more valuable all across the board.

"Washington has come along more quickly than anticipated and already is getting reps with the first-team offense. He’s already a more physical blocker and a more dynamic pass-catching threat than Gentry," DeFabo wrote.

Depending on what the Steelers decide to do with the offensive depth chart, Gentry could be on his way out the door.

Steelers Will Have A Decision To Make Regarding Dynamic Tight Ends In The 2023 Offense

If the Steelers are comfortable with Connor Heyward playing in a hybrid-type role and trust Washington to be on the field as a blocker in 12-personnel, Gentry could lose his job because of it. DeFabo believes that a two-tight end set will be popular again in 2023.

"Last season, the Steelers utilized 12-personnel (two tight ends, one running back) on 13.8 snaps per game. That was a little more than league average, ranking 11th. While it’s a small sample size, that number is up to 17.5 snaps per game this preseason, ranking eighth."

Gentry has worked his way into being a fan favorite, mainly in part to his comedic segment of Grillin' N' Chillin' with Pat Freiermuth. He isn't much of a threat in the passing game and while he is a big body at 6'8", Washington is already a more effective blocker. The Steelers may choose to keep six wide receivers and three running backs, which could result in one of the tight ends being let loose. Gentry would be the odd man out.

The tight end was drafted by the Steelers in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He has played 40 games since, but has yet to have a career touchdown reception. It's hard to imagine Washington being unable to provide the same amount of production as Gentry in both the blocking and receiving game.

Tomlin will have a tough decision to make. If the team keeps McFarland, Gentry will probably be on his way out. If Heyward is looked at as the third running back on the depth chart, the Steelers could elect to hang onto Gentry. It's no guarantee though, and one of the more under-utilized guys on the field, but fan favorite, could be looking for a new home come September.

Do you think the Steelers will cut Gentry? Let us know in the comments below!

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