Steelers Likely Plan To Keep 1 Of Aaron Rodgers' Reliable Former Teammates

The Pittsburgh Steelers are heading into 2026 with some juice after future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers announced this will be his last hurrah. After he just took some of his teammates on his "last rodeo" for a bonding experience before training camp begins, he's looking to get the Steelers their first playoff win in nearly a decade. Rodgers put up some respectable numbers despite a lack of receiver help around him, and with a new head coach and some added weaponry, he'll look to make his last season a special one. 

With the roster starting to take shape and training camp battles being at the front of everyone's mind, the team is gearing up for a brand new way of doing things in July. As usual, many players are fighting for a roster spot, but one of Rodgers' former teammates seems to have a leg up in one of the squad's depth spots. Rodgers isn't shy about recruiting former teammates to wherever he's playing, like Davante Adams and Allen Lazard while he was with the New York Jets.

This season is no different, as one of his most reliable targets in Green Bay tried out for the team early on in the offseason. His familiarity with Rodgers makes it look like he'll have a spot on the team. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Ray Fittipaldo revealed that he believes tight end Robert Tonyan will have a role on the 53-man roster, and that it could be in part due to Rodgers being under center. Fittipaldo wrote this in one of his latest Steelers chats. 

"Tonyan has a history with Rodgers, so I think that's possible," Fittipaldo wrote. 

Tonyan had his best years with Rodgers as his quarterback, like in Rodgers' 2020 MVP season, where he caught 52 passes for 586 yards and 11 touchdowns. Though Tonyan hasn't been as effective over the past couple of seasons, with Rodgers throwing him the ball, he could find some success in the Steel City. 

Tonyan last played for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2025, where he played in 17 games, but only had one catch for one yard. His relationship with the man under center will help his chances, but he'll have to prove he still has some gas left in the tank to make the team. The Steelers' tight end room has two very good players at the top, but behind them, there isn't a clear-cut TE3. This could be where Tonyan finds his way on the team. 

Tonyan will have to prove his receiving skills are still up to par to be a backup in the newly revitalized offense. Though he likely won't make a ton of splash plays, having a veteran tight end in case of injury is a good thing. There isn't a whole lot of competition there, and given his history, there's a real shot he makes the team. 

How Will The Steelers' Tight Ends Handle The New Offense?

Head Coach Mike McCarthy has traditionally used one tight end in his formations. However, Pittsburgh has two tight ends who need to see the field, especially with the money invested in the group. McCarthy's offense will have to evolve to utilize the weapons he's inherited, and that is very much possible. Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington have been solid, but many believe their usage has been an issue. McCarthy will have to solve that. 

Obviously, the offense will have to be seen in action first, but not getting these playmakers involved would be a misfire. Washington's run blocking and evolving receiving ability, and Freiermuth's way of finding soft spots in the middle of the field are huge positives to the offense. They'll need to be involved early and often to be a well-oiled machine. 

#SteelerNation