The Pittsburgh Steelers just added an offensive improvement. Pittsburgh acquired tight end Vance McDonald from the San Francisco 49ers. Aside from McDonald, the Steelers received a fifth-round pick from San Francisco. The 49ers, on the other hand, got a fourth-rounder.
McDonald played four seasons for San Francisco, which selected him in the second round (55th overall) of the 2013 NFL Draft. In the past two seasons, he has been a starter for the 49ers. Last season, the 27-year-old was performing well and in December signed an extension deal. Unfortunately, just a few days after being rewarded the contract, he suffered a shoulder injury.
The health setback limited him to only 11 games, though he recorded 24 receptions for career-bests 391 yards and four touchdowns. In a statement, 49ers general manager John Lynch expressed gratitude towards McDonald. Lynch also wished the best for him and his family.
Steelers looking for consistency
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin shared with reporters the reason why they traded for McDonald. According to him, the tight ends they currently have on the roster "hadn't been consistently varsity enough" this offseason. He added that because of this, they searched for a tight end who is NFL-capable and McDonald is that guy. Tomlin hopes that their newest addition would motivate the other players at the position to "elevate their play."
Jesse James remains confident
Jesse James is unfazed despite the impending arrival of McDonald in Pittsburgh.
James believes that he remains the team's top option at tight end. The 23-year-old had the starting job at the position last season. He is expected to hold on to it even if he is providing inconsistent performances as of the moment.
Looking at the stats and considering the number of games played in the 2016 season, it appears that when it comes to efficiency, McDonald is the man.
In 16 appearances, James tallied more receptions (39) but had fewer receiving yards (338) and touchdowns (3). It is noteworthy since McDonald was able to put up better numbers while seeing action in only 11 games. If McDonald plays the same way he did last season and stays healthy, he is a legitimate threat to James. That is why James must step up or else he could lose his present role. Based on the way Tomlin spoke about their tight ends after the trade with the 49ers, it seems there is just a small margin of error left.
