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Steelers Free Agency: Offensive Line

By Kim Myers

Jan 3, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) lay on the field with a neck injury as teammates Ramon Foster (73), Kelvin Beachum (68) and Dri Archer (13) react during an AFC wild card playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens at Heinz Field. The Ravens defeated the Steelers 30-17. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) lay on the field with a neck injury as teammates Ramon Foster (73), Kelvin Beachum (68) and Dri Archer (13) react during an AFC wild card playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens at Heinz Field. The Ravens defeated the Steelers 30-17. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Steelers have nineteen players whose contracts will expire at the start of the new league year on Wednesday, March 9th.

Nov 8, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; The Pittsburgh Steelers offense lines up against the Oakland Raiders defense during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; The Pittsburgh Steelers offense lines up against the Oakland Raiders defense during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

With the signing of long snapper Greg Warren last week the Steelers are down to 19 in-house free agents to decide on. The next group of free agents contain the most intriguing players of the bunch.

The offensive line used to be a point of contention with Steelers fans. It seems like since the arrival of offensive line coach Mike Munchak the line has been a point of strength instead. With two key members of the line set to potentially test free agency, the Steelers are faced with some tough decisions.

The Steelers invested a number of early-round draft picks on the offensive line years ago with the likes of Maurkice Pouncey, Marcus Gilbert, David DeCastro and Mike Adams. All but Adams have proven to be assets, even with DeCastro making his first Pro Bowl this year.

This year it is the late-round guys that they’ll have to make the decisions on with Kelvin Beachum and Ramon Foster potential free agents along with Doug Legursky and Byron Stingily.

The Steelers will have to determine how much they value continuity on the offensive line. An offensive line that has helped the offense run the ball better and more effectively, which is something that was a definite aim several years ago.

Without a strong offensive line Le’Veon Bell might not have developed into the NFL’s best all-round running back and they wouldn’t have been able to transition so well into DeAngelo Williams’ running style when Bell went out with injury.

At this point in Ben Roethlisberger’s career, pass protection is more important than ever before. We all know that Roethlisberger knows more than anyone how to handle things when a play and or protection breaks down but the key to his longevity is keeping him healthy and upright.

So which members of the offensive line should the Steelers keep or let test free agency?

Next: Byron Stingily

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