Steelers give original round tender to RFA tight end Xavier Grimble

According to ESPN Pittsburgh Steelers reporter Jeremy Fowler, the Steelers have placed the original-round tender offer to RFA tight end Xavier Grimble. This means Grimble is in line to make $2,025,000 million in 2019.

Can confirm original round tender for TE Xavier Grimble, who’s now positioned for TE2 role depending on team’s draft/FA plans. Curious to see what he can do in expanded role. Physical blocker, athletic, might have chance to put it all together. (@MikeGarafolo 1st)

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 7, 2019

This is a huge financial commitment for a guy with 22 career receptions. This doesn’t bode well for Jesse James who is a UFA and should garner some attention from teams who feel like he’s been underutilized in the Steelers’ offense.

Hopefully, if the Steelers do move on from James they don’t count on Grimble to take on an expanded role in the offense. Vance McDonald would remain the primary pass catcher but you’d have to think the Steelers would still look to free agency or even the draft to bring in a guy with more upside.