REPORT - Steelers Are Releasing Tight End Zach Gentry

It's that unfortunate time of the year for the Pittsburgh Steelers and many of their players. It's that time where the Steelers have to end the dreams of many roster hopefuls as they cut down to 53 players in preparation for Week 1. While the official deadline for cuts is 4pm ET on Monday, the Steelers have already started to make their moves as of Saturday afternoon according to Mark Kaboly of The Athletic.

The Steelers have plenty of tough choices to make across several positions including the very crowded defensive line. One of the surprising names we could see is former 5th round pick Isaiahh Loudermilk. After trading up for the former Wisconsin product, he has failed to see much playing time. He's only dressed for 5 games over the past two seasons even though the Steelers have been super thin on the defensive line front. In his limited playing time, he has 1 sack and 30 tackles. 

Earlier this week, Steelers Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin told the media that he believed the team would have to part ways with a very capable NFL player. 

"We may lose a guy that we know can play in the NFL," Austin said. 

Another position that could lead to a tough decision is the tight end room. Pat Freiermuth, and Darnell Washington are locks as pure tight ends. Connor Heyward is a lock from a tight end standpoint, but also the fact he can play multiple other positions as we've seen. That leaves Zach Gentry possibly on the outside looking in. Gentry signed back at the beginning of April after spending nearly a month as a free agent. It's hard to believe that the team will keep 4 tight ends. (updating, Gentry has been released according to NFL insider Josina Anderson)

But a roster spot could open up if they decide to consider Heyward as a full back replacing the roster spot of Derek Watt from last season. Heyward has taken carries as a half back. It's unlikely, but it's possible Heyward could bump Anthony McFarland off the roster. McFarland currently figures as the team's No. 3 back. But his limited special teams coverage abilities could doom him.

In 2022, Gentry started 13 of the 17 games he played, used significantly as a blocking tight end. He finished the year with 19 receptions for 132 yards. He has 39 career receptions for 303 yards and zero touchdowns. 

A name that wouldn't have been a surprise cut before training camp could possibly be one now. Safety Kenny Robinson was very impressive during practice filling in when Minkah Fitzpatrick, and Damontae Kazee were out. But in stadiums, he hasn't been as impressive. Robinson has failed to make any standout plays while often being out played by Trenton Thompson. Thompson made an impact play during the team's first preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers picking Kyle Trask. Thompson was signed during training camp. 

Possible Steelers Trade

Earlier this offseason, the Philadelphia Eagles attempted to claim Steelers punter Braden Mann off waivers after he was released by the New York Jets. The Steelers ultimately were awarded Mann because they had a higher waiver priority. The Eagles need a punter, and the Steelers could potentially get a conditional pick depending on how badly the Eagles want him. Mann didn't have a bad training camp, but he hasn't been quite able to beat out Pressley Harvin for the job.

LIVE STEELERS CUTS

The Steelers have made their first round of cuts. The following players have been released: cornerback Madre Harper, defensive back Nevelle Clarke, defensive lineman James Nyamawaya, kicker B.T. Potter, linebackers Kuony Deng, Forrest Rhyne, long snapper Rex Sunahara, and wide receiver Dan Chisena. These cuts come according to Mike DeFabo.

Sunday the team announced they've released wide receiver Aron Cruickshank. He was signed 6 days ago. 

Monday morning the team released free agent signee linebacker Tanner Muse, cornerback Lavert Hill, defensive lineman Manny Jones, linebacker Toby Ndukwe, offensive linemen Le'Raven Clark, and William Dunkle, quarterback Tanner Morgan, running back Darius Hagans, and safeties Kenny Robinson, and Jalen Elliott.

Kevin Dotson was traded to the Rams, and Kendrick Green traded to the Texans. 

Also being released was tight end Zach Gentry, and center Ryan McCollum.