3 Steelers who can't be brought back for post-Ben Roethlisberger rebuild

3 Steelers who can’t be brought back for post-Ben Roethlisberger rebuild

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 03: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates a touchdown in the fourth quarter of the game against the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field on January 03, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /

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NASHVILLE, TN – OCTOBER 25: Eric Ebron #85 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs the ball during a game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on October 25, 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Steelers defeated the Titans 27-24. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

Eric Ebron, TE

One of the big free agency signings for the Steelers in 2020 was Eric Ebron, formerly of the Detroit Lions and Indianapolis Colts. He put up huge numbers in his first season in the Steel City (56 receptions, 558 yards, five touchdowns), but he did have issues with drops. On his 91 targets, Ebron dropped seven of them, per Pro Football Reference.

This past offseason, the Steelers got Ebron’s replacement in Pat Freiermuth, drafted in the second-round of the 2021 NFL Draft. This year, Freiermuth has shined while Ebron has missed time due to injury.

This year, Freiermuth recorded 54 receptions for 444 yards and seven touchdowns on 70 targets. Ebron, on the other hand, caught 12-of-18 targets for 84 yards and a touchdown in eight appearances.

The Steelers have Freiermuth on his rookie deal, while parting ways with Ebron would free up $6 million.

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