ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. —As an undrafted rookie, Lake McRee isn't sure when his Pittsburgh Steelers journey will end. If he's part of roster cutdowns for Mike McCarthy's team this weekend, the tight end departs with a play to hang his hat on.
On Thursday night, McRee hauled in a pass from Will Howard in the left flat in the later stages of the first quarter and refused to be denied a touchdown, selling out and diving over a pair of Buffalo Bills defenders for a five-yard score.
"I just saw some window. I had the ball and was close to the end zone, so I just dove and hoped for the best," McRee said afterward.
McRee, a 6-foot-3, 243-pound USC product, doesn't bobble many passes. Per Pro Football Focus, he had only two drops during his college career. Notching his first NFL points — even in preseason — meant a lot to him.
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Lake McRee at OTAs on May 20, 2026. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
"It was surreal for sure," McRee said. "It probably still hasn't hit me yet, but it was very cool, but not enough to win."
Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington are locks to stick around in Pittsburgh, and veteran Robert Tonyan has made a solid case, as well. But McRee hopes that his steadfast approach has gained him some respect from the Steelers.
"Just being consistent every day," McRee said. "I don't what day's going to be my last, so that's exactly how I show up to work every day and try to leave it all out on the field."
Alan Saunders contributed reporting from Orchard Park, N.Y.
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