The Steelers have traded a fourth-round draft pick to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for tight end Vance McDonald and a fifth-round pick.
Coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday the move was made because he has been unhappy with the consistency of the tight ends on the roster.
"The guys hadn't been consistently varsity enough for our comfort," Tomlin said. "It's as black and white as that. They had some positive moments and negative moments. We're not going to anoint (McDonald) in any way. It's reasonable to expect the guys who are here to respond the right way to his presence. The end result is we'll get more competitive play at the position, and that's what we desire."
Jesse James is the incumbent starter, and Xavier Grimble, David Johnson and Jake McGee had been serving as his reserves during training camp.
McDonald, a second-round pick in 2013, is entering his fifth NFL season and started 30 games for the 49ers during his first four NFL seasons, including 11 in 2016. He caught 24 passes for 391 yards and four touchdowns last season.
In 48 career games, McDonald has 64 receptions for 866 yards and seven touchdowns.
Tomlin said the Steelers have a good relationship with McDonald's former coaches at Rice and said McDonald left an impression on him in the lead-up to the 2013 draft.
"I don't necessarily remember an evaluation grade," Tomlin said. "I remember those I liked. I liked him.
"I don't want any preconceived notions. I'm sure he's evolved in many ways. I'm excited about giving him an opportunity to show his skill set and maybe learn some new ones here."
