clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Dallas Clark is a tight end, Steelers need a tight end

ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting free agent tight end Dallas Clark "could get a deal done this week," and lists Pittsburgh as one of three potential landing places due to their need at tight end. There are other reasonable tight ends on the market besides Clark.

By Neal Coolong
USA TODAY Sports

Update: Clark has signed with the Baltimore Ravens

ESPN's Adam Schefter dropped the Steelers' name in a report Sunday involving former Colts and Buccaneers tight end Dallas Clark possibly signing a deal this week. Along with the Steelers, Schefter mentioned Baltimore and New England as teams in need of a tight end.

While he leaves it to the reader to connect the dots (i.e. he is not reporting Clark is linked to the Steelers), he's likely leaving it to hacks like us to do it for him (letting some other hacks purge their daily need for question mark headlines).

The trail runs cold here, though, short of pointing out a move for a tight end in free agency isn't out of the question - David Paulson's in-line blocking was worrisome enough against the Giants it doesn't appear he's ready to handle taking on a defender from a three-point stance despite looking more comfortable and effective when starting from an H-back position and getting on the move.

Clark was never known as an exceptional blocker anyway, although he won't be confused for Ed Dickson either.

A player like Randy McMichael might be a better fit if the Steelers were looking for a blocking presence - not an every-down player. If they want that "move" style of tight end, like Paulson, former Seahawks TE Cameron Morrah may be an interesting proposition. Athletically gifted but injury-prone through his short career, he's shown potential in brief appearances.

Clark five years ago may be a different story, but if the Steelers do bring in another tight end, he'd be roughly as palpable an option as a lot of other tight ends currently available.

If they don't make a move at all, it suggests more Heath Miller and/or David Johnson are closer to activation from the PUP list than has been mentioned.

More from Behind the Steel Curtain:

More From Behind the Steel Curtain