4 Steelers whose futures are in doubt after the 2021 draft

Joe Haeg

The Steelers signed Joe Haeg to a reasonable two-year deal this offseason with one reason in mind: he can serve as the swing tackle and sixth offensive lineman for the offense. It was a role he did well enough while with the Buccaneers and it was a logical signing for a team that needed some offensive line depth. While his deal was for two years, it seems unlikely now that Haeg sees that second year.

The reasoning for this boils down to Dan Moore Jr., the Steelers fourth-round pick who has the natural size and athleticism to excel as a tackle. While he will need to develop a little before being counted on as a consistent starter, he seems primed to take on the role of swing tackle by as early as next year. If he wrangles that spot from Haeg, it seems almost definite that he is shown the door in favor of Moore.

While some may see this as more of an issue for Chukwuma Okorafor, it seems like a stretch that Moore throws his name into the left tackle conversation by next year. Instead, it will likely be a highly drafted rookie while Moore takes over as the swing tackle. If anything, Haeg may have to root for Moore to be considered the next left tackle, as he could still serve as the swing tackle next year. That said, that would be quite the feat for Moore, and it seems like he is more likely to claim Haeg’s spot.