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Pittsburgh Steelers: 5 offseason needs in 2020

By Russell S. Baxter

PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 30: General Manager Kevin Colbert of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on prior to the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Heinz Field on September 30, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 30: General Manager Kevin Colbert of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on prior to the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Heinz Field on September 30, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 22: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Vance McDonald #89 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on December 22, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Jets defeated the Steelers 16-10. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 22: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Vance McDonald #89 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on December 22, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Jets defeated the Steelers 16-10. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

3. Fortify the tight end position

While the Pittsburgh Steelers have made a living out of finding wide receivers in all rounds of the NFL Draft, the club has been searching for a suitable replacement for Heath Miller. He was a two-time Pro Bowler and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger’s insurance policy for more than a decade.

Vance McDonald has shown what he can do once he catches the football. But he was a bit banged up a year ago and that was one the reasons the team gave up a fifth-round draft choice to the Seattle Seahawks to obtain

Nick Vannett early in the season. He finished with just 13 receptions for 128 yards in 13 contests but did not score a touchdown. But he is also eligible for free agency.

Of course, the Steelers watched 2015 fifth-round draft choice Jesse James join the Detroit Lions via free agency last offseason and in hindsight, his departure was arguably felt a little more by the offense than the team may have anticipated.

This could be an area general manager Kevin Colbert addresses various ways. A healthier McDonald would be a big help. And it will be interesting to see how 2019 fifth-round pick Zach Gentry (Michigan) develops. There are some inviting names (Hunter Henry, Austin Hooper, etc.) that could hit the free-agent market in March. But having a reliable performer at this spot would be a major asset to Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh offense.

Next: No. 2

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