4 easiest offseason decisions for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022
By Tommy Jaggi
Steelers should cut Zach Banner
The first two decisions couldn’t be easier for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and I would be surprised if either didn’t happen this offseason. This decision might be a bit more challenging for some, but I don’t believe the Steelers should hesitate to cut OT Zach Banner.
After signing a big two-year deal, fans were optimistic that Banner was going to be the next good developmental tackle for this team. However, even after getting a clean bill of health early in the 2021 season after the ACL tear, he suffered in Week 1 of 2020, Banner rarely touched the field.
According to Pro Football Reference, Banner had a measly 5 offensive snaps for the entire season and just 27 special teams snaps on the year. Despite players going down with injuries all over the offensive line, the Steelers never turned to Banner. Even in the final game of the regular season, the Steelers plugged in Joe Haeg when Dan Moore went down, and it ultimately cost them a fifth-round compensatory pick to play him.
The fact of the matter is that Banner just isn’t very good. He has two career starts by the age of 28 and he’s not even a good scheme fit for their offensive line. The Steelers can instantly save $5 million by cutting him this offseason, and that’s exactly what they should do.