The Pittsburgh Steelers are bringing back one of their own, reportedly re-signing TE Zach Gentry. That’s according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, who tweeted the news moments ago.
Financial terms of the deal weren’t immediately known.
Gentry had been an unrestricted free agent who tested the market for the first two weeks of the new league year. A big-bodied blocker, Gentry has been the team’s #2 tight end for the past two seasons. Over the past two years, he’s caught 38 passes for 299 yards and no touchdowns, still looking for his first NFL score.
Earlier in the offseason, Gentry expressed a desire to stay in Pittsburgh. Though he tested the market, the interest in him was likely light and returning to the Steelers, who value his size, always made the most amount of sense. He’s also good friends with starter Pat Freiermuth. The two should be able to continue their Grillin’ and Chillin’ show in 2023.
Gentry will resume his role as being a big tight end who can block 4-3 defensive ends. The Steelers had shown interest in tight ends during the Pro Day circuit and it’s unclear if they still have interest in the position after bringing Gentry back. It’s clearly less of a need than it was. So far, TEs Coach Alfredo Roberts has been spotted at Michigan and Penn State, though that was before today’s news of Gentry’s return.
A 5th round pick of the 2019 NFL Draft, Gentry battled injuries and had to work on his blocking early in his career. But he figured things out in the summer of 2021 and solidly made the team and an impact in the run game, though his run blocking wasn’t as strong in 2022 as it was two years ago.
The Steelers’ tight end room now consists of Pat Freiermuth, Zach Gentry, Connor Heyward, and Rodney Williams.
