Report: Steelers Add More Depth At Tight End After Signing Izaiah Gathings

The Pittsburgh Steelers made significant headlines this offseason by announcing the hiring of Arthur Smith as their new offensive coordinator. Smith arrives with much anticipation surrounding the offensive system he intends to implement, which notably emphasizes the role of tight ends.

In alignment with Smith's tight end-centric strategy, the Steelers have focused on bolstering their tight end roster throughout the offseason. On Wednesday, reporter Aaron Wilson revealed that the Steelers are adding another unproven tight end, Izaiah Gathings, to their lineup. 

This addition underscores the team's commitment to ensuring Smith has a versatile and robust group of tight ends to execute his game plan effectively. The excitement among fans is palpable as they eagerly await to see how Smith's offensive vision will unfold on the field. 

Before signing Gathings, the Steelers added veteran tight end MyCole Pruitt to their roster. Pruitt, who had his best years in Smith's offensive system in previous years, brings valuable experience and familiarity with Smith's schemes. This move highlights the Steelers' commitment to ensuring their offense is well-equipped with a variety of tight end options, reinforcing their strategy to maximize the position's impact on their game plan.

Gathings signed with the Kansas City Chiefs practice squad in December 2023 and later secured a futures/reserves contract in February 2024. However, by May of the same year, Gathings was waived by the Super Bowl champions.

Steelers' New TE Started Out As A Wide Receiver

Standing at 6' 4" and weighing 222 pounds, Gathings played wide receiver during his college years at Middle Tennessee State. He began his professional career by signing with the New York Jets, participating in their rookie minicamp as a tryout player. Despite never having logged an NFL snap, Gathings impressed the Steelers during a tryout, leading to his recent signing.

The Steelers now boast a wealth of options at the tight end position. Leading the way is star tight end Pat Freiermuth, who had a great season in his rookie year with Ben Roethlisberger. While he amassed more receiving yards the following season post-Roethlisberger, his trips to the end zone decreased. In the 2023 season, Freiermuth was not heavily featured in the offensive scheme, but this is expected to change under Smith's guidance in 2024.

Another key player is Darnell Washington, a young, standout blocking tight end. Though not a significant threat in the receiving game, Washington excels in the physical, punishing style of football that Smith plans to implement, making him a crucial asset in extending plays and supporting the running game.

Connor Heyward is also poised for an increased role with Smith at the helm. The Steelers' tight end room is deeper than ever, and fans are eager to see how Smith will utilize this depth in the offense. For Gathings, cracking the lineup in 2024 will be a challenging task. However, having a variety of options and healthy competition is beneficial, especially in a position that will be pivotal to the team's offensive strategy.

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