OT Russell Okung
I’ve voiced my interest in this signing before, as Russell Okung is legitimately the only quality left tackle still remaining in free agency. While the long-time starter and former two-time Pro Bowler is likely holding out for the right opportunity (perhaps one that pays him in Bitcoin), it could take the right injury on the right team for him to receive a call during the regular season. The Steelers should reach out to him before this point.
Because of the position he plays and his past experience, it’s true that Russell Okung probably won’t come cheap. However, this is where the voidable-year contract comes into play. I find it baffling that the Steelers would make so many moves in an effort to win now, but be content with a very questionable left tackle in 2021.
As you are probably well aware, the Steelers offensive line didn’t perform very well in 2020, and Chukwuma Okorafor had a lot to do with that. He struggles to anchor in pass protection and gets virtually no push in the run game. So far, he’s been a failed experiment as a developmental prospect.
While I obviously hope that he can make a major jump in 2021, there’s no guarantee that that will happen. The Steelers need to take a proactive approach and make sure that Ben Roethlisberger’s blindside is well protected in 2021. Okung can offer that.