The Pittsburgh Steelers moved on from one right tackle in Marcus Gilbert, hoping Matt Feiler can take over in 2019. He signed with the team, yesterday.
It’s now Matt Feiler’s job to lose. After trading Marcus Gilbert to the Arizona Cardinals, the Pittsburgh Steelers are looking at the man who started most of 2018 to be their new right tackle of the future. According to the NFL’s official transaction list, Feiler signed his one-year contract tender on Friday.
Feiler is set to make just $645,000 this season with the tender. If the Steelers don’t lock up the 26-year-old this season, he’ll become a restricted free agent in 2020 and an unrestricted free agent in 2021. After starting 10 games for Pittsburgh last year, it’s likely the team will try to work out a long-term deal with the offensive lineman before he hits the market next spring.
The offensive line resigned Maurkice Pouncey and Ramon Foster this offseason. Pittsburgh is usually a team to keep their big men in tact, especially with Ben Roethlisberger still playing. The quarterback has grown very close to the men protecting him and the Steelers like to make sure the have the guys he wants up front.
For now, that included Feiler. After being released by the Texans and Bears, the right tackle finally got a chance to prove himself when Marcus Gilbert went down with a knee injury. He played well and had the fans hoping he returned for at least another season.
If 2019 shows the same success as 2018, Feiler should be able to lock himself in for a long-term contract. It’ll be the first time he’s earned big money in the NFL. For now, though, he’ll continue to prove he’s a starter in this league, working with four linemen who has developed into one of the best units in the league.