The Pittsburgh Steelers have bolstered their roster by signing tight end Robert Tonyan and linebacker Jamin Davis to one-year contracts. This move sees Tonyan reuniting with Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy and quarterback Aaron Rodgers, with whom he previously played during their time with the Green Bay Packers. Meanwhile, Davis, a former first-round draft pick, joins the Steelers after stints with the Washington Commanders and Minnesota Vikings. The financial specifics of these transactions were not made public, and the team also announced the release of tight end Chamon Metayer.
Tight End Tonyan Returns to Former Connections
Robert Tonyan, a veteran tight end, has officially joined the Pittsburgh Steelers on a one-year deal. This signing marks a reunion for Tonyan with both head coach Mike McCarthy and quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who were part of his early career with the Green Bay Packers. Tonyan, 32, participated in a recent minicamp with the Steelers, demonstrating his readiness to contribute to the team. His journey to the NFL began in 2017 when he was signed by the Packers as an undrafted free agent out of Indiana State, making his professional debut the following season under McCarthy's coaching. His most productive year came in 2020, where he achieved career-highs with 52 receptions for 586 yards and 11 touchdowns.
After becoming a free agent in 2022, Tonyan spent single seasons with the Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings, and Kansas City Chiefs before landing in Pittsburgh. Throughout his career, he has played in 107 games, starting 24 of them, accumulating a total of 149 receptions for 1,550 yards and 17 touchdowns. His experience and familiarity with McCarthy and Rodgers are expected to provide a seamless integration into the Steelers' offensive scheme, potentially offering a reliable target for the quarterback. The specifics of his contract were not disclosed, but his addition aims to strengthen the tight end position for the upcoming season, bringing veteran presence and past success to the roster.
Linebacker Davis Joins Steelers Defense
Linebacker Jamin Davis, a 27-year-old former first-round draft pick, has also signed a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Davis was originally selected by the Washington Commanders as the 19th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, spending three full seasons with the team before splitting the 2024 campaign between the Commanders and the Minnesota Vikings. His acquisition is expected to bolster the Steelers' defensive capabilities, adding depth and talent to the linebacker corps. The financial terms of his deal were not revealed by the Steelers, who continue to make strategic moves to enhance their roster. Alongside Davis's signing, the team also made a roster adjustment by releasing tight end Chamon Metayer.
Davis's career with the Commanders saw him develop into a key defensive player, showcasing his athleticism and playmaking ability. Although his time in Washington concluded with a split season in 2024, and a brief two-game stint with the Las Vegas Raiders where he recorded three tackles, his potential as a former first-round pick remains significant. The Steelers are banking on his talent and previous experience to make a substantial impact on their defense. This move reflects the team's commitment to acquiring young, impactful players who can contribute immediately and develop within their system. With both Tonyan and Davis now on board, Pittsburgh aims to strengthen both their offensive and defensive units for the challenges of the upcoming NFL season.