Tonyan was a tryout player for the Steelers in minicamp. In five seasons with the Packers (2017–22), Tonyan caught 137 passes for 1,437 yards and all 17 touchdowns of his career.
Since leaving the Packers as a free agent after the 2022 season, Tonyan has played for the Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings and Kansas City Chiefs. Despite playing in 39 games over the past three seasons, Tonyan has only caught 12 passes between the 2023 and 2025 seasons. The Steelers will be his sixth NFL team. He turned 32 in April.
Tonyan will see many familiar faces in Pittsburgh. The Steelers recently returned the 42-year-old Rodgers at quarterback and then signed defensive lineman Dean Lowry and safety Darnell Savage, both former Packers. Running back Lew Nicholls is also with the Steelers as a Packers draft pick in 2023.
McCarthy’s staff is filled with former Packers coaches, including offensive coordinator Brian Angelicchio, defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, assistant head coach Joe Whitt Jr., offensive line coach James Campen, senior assistant Frank Cignetti Jr., linebackers coach Scott McCurley and defensive pass game coordinator Jason Simmons.
Steelers assistant offensive line coach Jahari Evans played for the Packers in 2017.
In Pittsburgh, Tonyan will join a tight end room that includes Darnell Washington, Pat Freiermuth and rookies Lake McCree and Chaymon Metayer. It’s possible Tonyan could slot in as the veteran third tight end behind Washington and Freiermuth, giving Rodgers and the Steelers a logical replacement for Jonnu Smith in 2026.
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