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Seahawks trade Vannett to Steelers

Joe Sargent / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The Seattle Seahawks finalized a trade to send tight end Nick Vannett to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a fifth-round draft pick, the team announced.

Pittsburgh's starting tight end, Vance McDonald, suffered a shoulder injury in Sunday's loss to the San Francisco 49ers, according to Dale Lolley of DK Pittsburgh Sports.

McDonald's injury left the Steelers with only Xavier Grimble, who had just 21 catches in three years entering this season, and fifth-round rookie Zach Gentry at tight end.

In Seattle, Will Dissly has emerged as the team's top tight end. The second-year pro has 12 catches for 124 yards and three touchdowns through three games this campaign.

Vannett, a third-round pick in 2016, has recorded 48 catches for 462 yards and four touchdowns during his first four NFL seasons.

With Vannett leaving, the Seahawks are expected to sign fellow tight end Luke Willson, a source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Willson played for Seattle from 2013-17, making two Super Bowl appearances and catching all 11 of his career touchdowns.

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