The Steelers knew tight end Heath Miller had lost a step and was having trouble getting open against man coverage. And they knew they would likely have to find his replacement in the 2016 draft, something they considered even last year.
That was even before Miller announced last month he was retiring after 11 seasons with the team that drafted him in the first round in 2005. The Steelers hoped they might be able to squeeze one more season out of Miller, the team’s all-time leader in catches (592), receiving yards (6,569) and touchdowns (45) for a tight end.