From Seahawks to Steelers: A New Chapter for Lance Mason
Seahawks' Roster Shift: Fullbacks In, Mason Out
The Seattle Seahawks recently made a strategic roster adjustment, bringing in undrafted fullback Brock Lampe on August 6th. This decision notably increased their fullback count to three on the 90-man training camp roster, a rarity in the NFL. To accommodate this addition, the team waived undrafted tight end Lance Mason, who had played college football at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
A Swift Transition: Mason Joins the Steelers
Mason's time in unemployment was brief. The very next day, the Pittsburgh Steelers moved quickly to claim him off the waiver wire, providing the young playmaker with a new professional home. This rapid acquisition underscores his potential and the Steelers' interest in his capabilities.
Steelers' Roster Reconfiguration: New Additions and Departures
PennLive's Nick Farabaugh reported on the Steelers' roster moves, confirming Mason's claim along with wide receiver Colton Dowell from the San Francisco 49ers. To create space for these new players, the Steelers released tight end JJ Galbreath and wide receiver AT Perry, signaling a reshaping of their offensive depth chart.
Mason's Collegiate Performance: A Promising Background
Mason's collegiate career showcased his receiving prowess. In his senior year at Wisconsin in 2025, after transferring from Missouri State, he started in nine games and appeared in three others. During this season, he recorded 30 receptions for 398 receiving yards and four touchdowns. His performance at Missouri State was even more impressive, where in 2024, he amassed 590 receiving yards on just 34 receptions, averaging a remarkable 17.35 yards per catch, alongside six touchdowns.
The Competitive Landscape in Seattle: An Uphill Battle
Mason's tenure with the Seahawks was always going to be challenging due to the team's deep and talented tight end group. Seattle boasts top receiving options in A.J. Barner and second-round draft pick Elijah Arroyo, complemented by veteran blocking tight ends Eric Saubert and Nick Vannett. For an undrafted prospect, breaking into this established quartet was a formidable task. Currently, the primary competition within Seattle's tight end unit comes from Nick Kallerup, a 2025 UDFA who successfully made the 53-man roster last season.
Seattle's Tight End Outlook for 2026: Focusing on Arroyo's Development
The spotlight for the Seahawks' tight ends in 2026 will largely be on Elijah Arroyo, now in his second professional season. Despite his promising draft status as a premier receiving tight end, Arroyo's opportunities to demonstrate his full potential were limited during the team's championship-winning season last year. Nevertheless, he still managed 15 receptions for 179 yards and a touchdown. Heading into his second year, Arroyo is expected to significantly elevate his performance.
Barner's Ascent and Arroyo's Challenge
Arroyo's biggest hurdle to securing more playing time is the unexpected rise of A.J. Barner. Drafted in the fourth round in 2024, Barner wasn't initially seen as a definite starter but had an encouraging debut season, accumulating 30 receptions for 245 yards and four touchdowns. Unless there's an unforeseen trade or a drastic change in circumstances, Barner is expected to remain with the team through the 2027 season. Consequently, Arroyo must prove his worth, particularly in two-tight end formations, which are increasingly prevalent in contemporary NFL offense
