PITTSBURGH PICKS UP TIGHT END VANNETT
The Pittsburgh Steelers acquired tight end Nick Vannett from the Seattle Seahawks for a fifth-round draft pick in 2020.
What does it give the Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers have a different offense without QB Ben Roethlisberger (IR, elbow) this season, with far fewer explosive weapons. Therefore, fortifying the tight end position appears to be a priority. To that end, they are bringing in Vannett to provide some depth behind starter Vance McDonald. Vannett was a part-time starter for the Seahawks but should receive more snaps in 2019 as a member of the Steelers.
What does it give the Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks clearly believe in second-year tight end Will Dissly, who is now entrenched as the starter in Seattle following Vannett's departure. The 'Hawks should also get back veteran Ed Dickson (IR, knee) at some point this season, so they dispatched Vannett to a more tight end-needy squad in Pittsburgh and received a fifth-rounder in return. Seattle's depth beyond Dissly and Dickson is shaky, though.
Fantasy impact
Fantasy rosters (in fairly deep leagues) desperate for help at the tight end position could take a flier on Vannett at this point, although expectations must be tempered with Mason Rudolph under center. He is not likely to make a major impact but could be a serviceable backup tight end.
