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Why the Pittsburgh Steelers' Tight End Room May Be Omar Khan's Biggest Roster Win
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- Why the Pittsburgh Steelers' Tight End Room May Be Omar Khan's Biggest Roster Win
The Pittsburgh Steelers have questions across their roster. After the Steelers mandatory minicamp , new head coach Mike McCarthy , paired with general manager Omar Khan, got his first extended look at the full team. With training camp rapidly approaching, the Steelers will likely make several roster adjustments before the regular season begins. The real evaluations, however, will take place under the hot Latrobe sun at Saint Vincent College. One position group, though, appears set up for success in 2026—and perhaps well beyond.
That group is the Steelers' tight end room.
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While Pat Freiermuth had a disappointing season last year, Freiermuth appears primed for a major bounce-back campaign. A new offensive coaching staff should create plenty of opportunities for both Freiermuth and Darnell Washington . With McCarthy reunited with quarterback Aaron Rodgers , the Steelers' top two tight ends could be in line for significant production.
Some may credit former offensive coordinator Arthur Smith for the current state of the tight end room, but he shouldn't receive all the praise. These players were in place long before Smith arrived. Instead, Khan deserves recognition for building and maintaining one of the NFL 's most stable tight end groups. The bigger picture is encouraging and highlights why Steelers fans should remain confident in Khan's long-term vision.
Oct 20, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington (80) runs after a catch against the New York Jets during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images© Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Steelers Tight Ends Built for the Long Haul
Although Khan did not draft Freiermuth, he successfully negotiated a team-friendly long-term extension with the veteran tight end. He also secured Darnell Washington , whom he drafted in 2023, on a long-term deal this offseason. Both players are under contract together through 2028 (Washington's deal keeps him in Pittsburgh through the 2030 season), giving the Steelers stability at the position for years to come.
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Some fans on social media have called for the Steelers to trade Freiermuth. Pittsburgh likely could have received solid draft compensation in return. However, Khan understands that McCarthy's offense relies on an efficient passing game, and throughout his coaching career, McCarthy has consistently developed productive tight ends.
In Green Bay , Jermichael Finley and Richard Rodgers became valuable weapons in McCarthy's offense. In Dallas , Jake Ferguson and Dalton Schultz emerged as high-level contributors. Khan's ability to keep both of his top tight ends under long-term contracts was a masterful piece of roster construction. Yet one under-the-radar move may have elevated the group even further.
Jan 1, 2023; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers tight end Robert Tonyan (85) celebrates a touchdown reception during the third quarter of their game against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark Hoffman-USA TODAY Sportsreuters.com,2023:newsml_MT1USATODAY19711999:1144108512
A Familiar Face at TE3 for Aaron Rodgers
Many fans criticized Khan for bringing one of Rodgers' longtime wide receiver friends to Pittsburgh last season. That criticism is understandable, especially given the Steelers' ongoing struggles to build consistent depth at wide receiver. However, Khan quietly added another familiar face for Rodgers this offseason. This time at tight end. It may prove to be one of the smartest depth moves he has made.
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Robert Tonyan enjoyed the best years of his career with Rodgers at quarterback. He caught 11 touchdown passes in 2020 and became one of Rodgers' most trusted targets. His production declined after leaving Green Bay, but the Steelers never signed him to be a star. They signed him to provide experienced, low-risk depth with starting experience if needed.
Khan made an excellent decision by bringing Tonyan to Pittsburgh. The Steelers now have three quality tight ends who can step into meaningful roles immediately. All three already have established chemistry with Rodgers. There are plenty of NFL teams that cannot say the same.
Khan deserves criticism in certain areas of roster construction. However, he also deserves significant praise for assembling and maintaining this tight end room. It is a group built to succeed both now and in the future.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jun 22, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
