Just a day later, he had a one-year contract.
The Steelers also announced linebacker Jamin Davis on a one-year deal and released tight end Chamon Metayer in a corresponding move.
Tonyan, 32, reunites with quarterback Aaron Rodgers and head coach Mike McCarthy, both of whom were in Green Bay during the peak years of Tonyan's career.
Pittsburgh has agreed to a one-year deal with veteran TE Robert Tonyan after a successful minicamp tryout
— The Standard (@TheStandard412) June 4, 2026
Tonyan caught 11 TDs from Aaron Rodgers during his breakout 2020 season in Green Bay.#NFL #Steelers pic.twitter.com/9CEgTQwApq
The History
Tonyan went undrafted out of Indiana State in 2017, was signed by the Lions as a free agent, and eventually landed on the Packers' practice squad that same year.
It took him three seasons to become a starter, but when the opportunity came in 2020, he delivered one of the more remarkable tight-end breakout seasons in recent memory, catching 52 passes for 586 yards and 11 touchdowns from Rodgers, tied for the league lead among tight ends that year.
He tore his ACL in 2021, came back for two more seasons in Green Bay before hitting free agency, and has since had one-year stints with the Bears, Vikings, and Chiefs.
We have signed LB Jamin Davis and TE Robert Tonyan to one-year contracts and waived TE Chamon Metayer. @BordasLaw
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) June 4, 2026
📝: https://t.co/nrOp8qnkzG pic.twitter.com/hRe2brrZAD
His 2025 season with Kansas City was minimal: one catch on one target in 17 games, primarily functioning as a blocking option and special teams contributor behind Travis Kelce and Noah Gray.
In Pittsburgh, he will likely operate in the same capacity, slotting behind Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington, who signed a long-term extension this week.
The Rodgers factor cannot be overstated.
Rodgers and Tonyan developed legit chemistry across five Green Bay seasons, and Rodgers has consistently preferred having trusted veterans in the room who understand his communication style and pre-snap process.
Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
