Pittsburgh Steelers Bring In Aaron Rodgers Favorite Target From 2020
The Pittsburgh Steelers are taking a close look at a familiar name to both head coach Mike McCarthy and quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Tight end Robert Tonyan, one of Rodgers’ most trusted red‑zone targets during their years together in Green Bay, participated in a pro tryout at the team’s mandatory minicamp on Tuesday.
Tonyan’s appearance in Pittsburgh marks a potential reunion with two figures who oversaw the most productive stretch of his NFL career, and it comes at a time when the Steelers are exploring depth options behind Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington.
Robert Tonyan To Try Out for the Pittsburgh Steelers
Robert Tonyan spent five seasons with the Packers from 2017 to 2022, overlapping with both McCarthy and Rodgers. His first NFL catch was a memorable one, a 54‑yard touchdown from Rodgers in 2018, and he went on to become a reliable target in Green Bay’s offense.
His best season came in 2020, when he posted:
- 52 receptions
- 586 yards
- 11 touchdowns
That breakout year coincided with Rodgers winning NFL MVP, cementing Tonyan as one of the quarterback’s most efficient red‑zone weapons.
A Journeyman Path Since Leaving the Packers
After departing Green Bay, Tonyan spent one season with the Chicago Bears before joining the Minnesota Vikings in 2024. He bounced between the Vikings’ practice squad and active roster, then landed on the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice squad late in 2024 and remained there through 2025.
Tonyan has not appeared in an NFL game since his time in Minnesota and has not recorded a reception since 2023, when he caught 11 passes for 112 yards with the Bears.
His career totals:
- 90 games (24 starts)
- 148 receptions
- 1,549 yards
- 17 touchdowns
Why the Steelers Are Interested
Pittsburgh’s tight end room is headlined by Freiermuth and Washington, but adding a veteran with Tonyan’s experience could provide:
- Red‑zone depth
- A reliable pass‑catching option in certain packages
- A familiar face for Rodgers in a new system
- Insurance behind the top two tight ends
Given Tonyan’s history with both McCarthy and Rodgers, the fit is logical even if he faces an uphill battle to make the 53‑man roster.
Other Tryout Players at Minicamp
Tonyan wasn’t the only player brought in for evaluation. The Steelers also hosted:
- Wide receiver Trayvon Rudolph
- Punter James Platte
- Inside linebacker Amari Burney
- Outside linebacker Jamin Davis (former first‑round pick)
These tryouts reflect Pittsburgh’s ongoing effort to strengthen depth across multiple positions heading into training camp.
