According to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Steelers are expected to let James Daniels and Dan Moore Jr. test free agency. That means two starting spots on the offensive line could be up for grabs.
After investing heavily in the unit over the past two years, the front office's strategy will soon be put to the test. Here's a look at where the offensive line currently stands and what the future may hold for this position group.
Current state of the offensive line
With Omar Khan taking over and Andy Weidl returning from Philadelphia, the Steelers front office has made a clear commitment to rebuilding the offensive line, aiming to replicate the dominant unit the Eagles have constructed. Over the past two drafts, they've selected five offensive linemen, including first-round offensive tackles in back-to-back years.
Last year’s draft class signaled a strong push to solidify the line, but injuries prevented us from seeing Troy Fautanu beyond one game. However, Zach Frazier delivered an excellent rookie season, and former fourth-round pick Mason McCormick stepped up as the starting right guard after James Daniels was lost for the season.
Due to injuries, Broderick Jones remained at right tackle, where he has struggled. However, with Dan Moore and James Daniels likely departing in free agency, it’s reasonable to expect Jones to slide over to his natural position at left tackle, where a return to familiarity could lead to significant improvement.
The Steelers appear to have struck gold with Zach Frazier as their franchise center for the next decade, and right tackle looks promising given Troy Fautanu’s impressive draft profile. However, questions remain regarding Broderick Jones’ development, Fautanu’s transition to the NFL, and the future of the guard positions—particularly with Isaac Seumalo turning 31 and whether McCormick can be a long-term solution at right guard.
What the future holds for this unit
The Steelers are banking on a position switch for Broderick Jones to finally yield returns on their first-round investment—a pick they traded up for. At this point, he’s looking more like a first-round miss, though he was always expected to be a developmental project. However, progress has been minimal, making this upcoming season a pivotal test. If he doesn’t step up, the Steelers may find themselves searching for another tackle once again.
Left guard Isaac Seumalo, now 31, has been a steady presence since signing with Pittsburgh, but the team still needs a long-term solution at the position. With Seumalo set to hit free agency after next season, it’s hard to envision the Steelers offering him anything more than a short-term extension—if they don’t let him walk altogether.
The center position appears to be solidified with the addition of Zach Frazier, but right guard remains a question mark. Mason McCormick stepped in admirably after James Daniels’ season-ending injury, though he had his share of rookie struggles. Initially drafted as a depth piece, McCormick will now get his shot as a full-time starter. While he has the potential to develop into a long-term solution, for now, he projects as an average starter.
At right tackle, Troy Fautanu has the skillset to be the answer, but staying healthy is key. The Steelers have made an effort to revamp their offensive line, and they may have two or three foundational pieces in place. However, this unit remains a work in progress, and next season will be a major test to determine whether Pittsburgh’s investments have paid off—or if another round of drafting and free agency will be needed to fix it once again.