5 free agents that would improve Steelers OL in 2022

Trent Brown, Steelers position fit: RT

Trent Brown has had quite the NFL journey since being drafted in the 7th round (244th overall) by the SanFrancisco 49ers in the 2015 NFL draft. He was known more for his size than his ability to play at that time, standing at a thunderous 6-foot-8, 355 lb at the combine. He played sparingly his rookie season, but he would start all 26 games he played in his 2nd and 3rd seasons.

He would then be traded to the New England Patriots to be their new left tackle, winning a Super Bowl during the 2018 season. For his efforts, the then Oakland Raiders swooped in to make him the highest-paid OL in the league at the time. His play during his 2019 season earned him his only career pro bowl nod, but he would struggle with injuries during his two years with the Raiders. He was traded back to New England last offseason, where his contract was restructured to make him a free agent this offseason.

Brown has certainly had his ups and downs, but he has been a quality tackle on both the right and left side when healthy over the past 6 seasons. His ability to play both tackle spots make him the perfect piece for a Steelers team that has questions about their starters on both sides.

Ideally he replaces Chukwuma Okorafor as the team’s right tackle, but if Pittsburgh resigns him he could fill whichever spot is available. A short deal with incentives for playing time/accolades could be a great fit for both sides. Brown could re-enter free agency at just over 30 years old, and Pittsburgh gets a stabilizing force for one of their tackle spots.

Overall, the Steelers should have plenty of options if they want to address the offensive line in free agency. There are plenty of quality players I didn’t even cover here, so there should be no excuse to not come away with at least one new starter. Combined with a likely early draft pick, the offensive line could be on its way back to prominence.