A foolproof plan for Steelers to improve the OL in 2023
By Andrew Falce
How the Steelers should attack free agency
In terms of sizable deals, I think the Steelers should once again be targeting two additions in free agency. While everyone will clamor for the big names, the Steelers rarely have the firepower to attract those players to this team. That said, this team has some cap space to work with and should attack free agency in one of two ways.
No matter who their big fish is, this team needs to add a dependable swing tackle. No, this isn’t the flashy name that will be cemented to start, but if having Moore be slotted on either the right or left side is a part of the plan next season, he needs a competitor that can push him. Whoever loses will be the swing tackle for this offense.
A name that would fit that bill perfectly is Cameron Erving. The former first round pick has experience all over the offensive line, but he has settled in as a good reserve tackle in recent years. He wouldn’t be that pricy, and he can play almost anywhere (assuming he loses out to Moore), making him a versatile backup.
From there, the team can go in two different directions. The first, and less likely way, is targeting another guard to add. That would give them a very expensive interior line. As well, Dotson can and should be competing for his job, so a rookie at guard makes a lot more sense.
If they did go for a guard, the most logical name is Dalton Risner. He fits what this team wants in their guards, as he has the size and mobility to work in space. The remainder of this interior free agency class isn’t spectacular, so it would be Risner or bust if they want to spend a long the inside.
Tackle is the more viable option. Even with a swing tackle brought on, adding a legitimate starter should be the better route. You can’t talk about tackle talent in free agency this year without mentioning Orlando Brown. Playing on the franchise tag, there is a legitimate chance he ends up as a free agent, and he is far and away the best lineman available in 2023.
The rest of the league will also be thinking this, and that should inflate his salary. There is a good chance he lands a contract over 20 million a season. Already an atypical Steelers move, they will likely have to lace the deal with guarantees, something else they don’t do. While it would be great to land a talent like Brown, I just don’t think it is feasible.
Instead, I think the best fit for this team is Mike McGlinchey. The 49ers right tackle is a little older, but he has been a steady presence and a talented tackle. He lacks the dominance of Brown, but he can more than hold his own along the line.
His contract should average well over 10 million a season, but that number is far more feasible than 20+ million. Adding him secures your tackle spots before the draft and allows you to only have to focus on the interior in the draft. To recap, the team adds a swing tackle to compete with Moore and a proven starter at either guard or tackle, with my personal preference being the team adding a top tackle.