On February 19, 2016, one of the Steeler's best all-time tight ends retired. There was no big extravagant event for him either. He just sent out a Thank You to the fans on Facebook and through the Steelers website. Heath was a Two-Time Pro Bowler and a Two-Time Super Bowl Champion. He brought tenacity to the tight-end position in Pittsburgh some we haven't seen since 2016.
The Steelers have not been able to fill Heath Miller's shoes ever since he retired. In fact, another tight-end retired in Pittsburgh just recently. Vance McDonald said goodbye to Steeler Fans. He was a hard-nosed tight end but was not near the level Heath was in Pittsburgh. The Steelers ended up using McDonald as a blocker more than throwing the football to him as the years went by. They also have had Zach Gentry, Jesse James, and Ladrious Green since Heath Miller. Four tight-ends have come and gone in Pittsburgh leaving Eric Ebron left.
Ebron was ranked the 57th tight end for receptions in the NFL, 81st in yards receiving, 44th for touchdowns, and 108th for yards per carry (10.0). The Steelers just don't seem to be utilizing the tight-end position like they used to. That's a shame because it takes away from the physicality of the tight-end position and continues to make the Steeler's offense one-dimensional. Yes, the Steelers have much bigger needs to fill rather than the tight-end position, but it should still be noted the need to fill Heath Miller's shoes since 2016 has been needed. This is just another positional need the Steelers will need to address in the offseason. Hopefully, in the future, they can get a tight-end that finally replaces Heath Miller.