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Steelers Sign Veteran TE Robert Tonyan, Reuniting Him with Aaron Rodgers
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- Steelers Sign Veteran TE Robert Tonyan, Reuniting Him with Aaron Rodgers
The Pittsburgh Steelers made a pair of roster moves on Thursday, but one addition could have Aaron Rodgers ' attention more than any other.
The Steelers announced they signed veteran tight end Robert Tonyan and linebacker Jamin Davis to one-year contracts while waiving tight end Chamon Metayer. The move gives Pittsburgh another experienced pass-catcher for an offense that is expected to be led by future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers in 2026.
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For Steelers fans, Tonyan's arrival comes with an interesting connection. Some of the best football of the veteran tight end's career came while catching passes from Rodgers during their years together with the Green Bay Packers .
A Familiar Face for Aaron Rodgers
Tonyan entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent out of Indiana State in 2017, but he eventually developed into one of Rodgers' most trusted red-zone targets in Green Bay .
His breakout season came in 2020 when he hauled in 52 receptions for 586 yards and 11 touchdowns. The touchdown total tied Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce for the most among NFL tight ends that season.
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Rodgers frequently looked Tonyan's way near the goal line, and the chemistry between the two became one of the more underrated storylines of Green Bay's high-powered offense.
While injuries and roster changes prevented Tonyan from fully recapturing that production in later seasons, he still brings valuable experience to Pittsburgh's offense.
Tonyan Adds Depth to Steelers' Tight End Room
The 32-year-old has appeared in 107 NFL games and owns 149 career receptions, 1,550 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns.
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Most recently, Tonyan spent time with the Kansas City Chiefs organization after previous stops with the Packers, Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings .
Pittsburgh already features Pat Freiermuth as its top tight end , but adding a veteran who understands how to work with Rodgers could prove beneficial during training camp and throughout the season.
Even if Tonyan doesn't become a major offensive contributor, his familiarity with Rodgers' expectations and tendencies could help accelerate the offense's development.
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Steelers Take Chance on Former First-Round Pick
The Steelers also added former Kentucky standout Jamin Davis, the 19th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft .
Davis showed promise early in his career with Washington, recording 290 tackles, eight sacks and an interception across 56 career games. His best season came in 2022 when he posted a team-high 104 tackles.
The linebacker has bounced around the league over the past two seasons, spending time with Washington, Minnesota, the New York Jets and Las Vegas Raiders .
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Pittsburgh has long built its identity around defensive depth and athletic linebackers, making Davis an intriguing low-risk addition.
A Small Move That Could Matter
The headline move on Thursday may not have generated the same buzz as a blockbuster trade or major free-agent signing, but Tonyan's arrival carries some significance.
Whenever a quarterback and pass-catcher have already enjoyed success together, teams take notice. Rodgers and Tonyan connected for some memorable moments in Green Bay, including Tonyan's 11-touchdown breakout campaign.
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Now, nearly six years after that career-best season, the Steelers are giving the duo another opportunity to share the field.
Whether it becomes a major storyline or simply provides valuable depth, Pittsburgh's latest move just reunited Aaron Rodgers with a familiar target.
Related: Aaron Rodgers' Role in Steelers Hiring Mike McCarthy Revealed
Related: Why the Steelers Will Get a Better Aaron Rodgers in 2026
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jun 4, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
