For years the Steelers never had to worry about the tight end position. Heath Miller was a rock-solid, all-around player who could block as well as he could catch, a rarity in today’s NFL.
After Miller announced his retirement Friday afternoon, the Steelers must consider using a high draft choice on a tight end or signing one in free agency.
The Steelers have two tight ends under contract – veteran Matt Spaeth and rookie Jesse James – but might not view either as starter material for the 2016 season. Spaeth is 32, is entering the final year of his contract and has endured injury problems that have forced him to miss 16 of a possible 48 games over the past three seasons.