Omar Khan, as the Pittsburgh Steelers' General Manager, has focused his resources on rebuilding the offensive line. He has spent all three of his first-round picks on either offensive or defensive linemen since becoming the top decision-maker for the franchise.
It has produced long-term solutions, whereas other areas have started to create problems. They have their starting five set, but the lack of options behind them is concerning.
They will shove a young offensive line out onto the field in Week 1, with Isaac Seumalo as the exception. Both of their starting offensive tackles will be starting some of their first games at their position. Pittsburgh might be hopeful for a positive outcome, but there are no promises.
The lack of depth to push the starters is problematic, and it should force Khan into trade discussions to land an upgrade or two.
There are no guarantees that top offensive linemen are available on the open market, but Khan would be savvy to place some calls. Several former first-round picks had their fifth-year options declined, which means their current employers will likely let them go as free agents next year. Perhaps Pittsburgh could get them for cheap and find new success as a depth piece this season.
Pittsburgh Steelers must target offensive linemen via trade to secure the trenches
Zion Johnson, OG, Los Angeles Chargers
If Khan can't land Johnson via trade this preseason, he might be interested when free agency rolls around. Johnson is only 26 in November, which would make him a perfect fit for Pittsburgh's young offensive line. He had his fifth-year option declined with the Los Angeles Chargers, but his play hasn't been horrendous. He is a solid starter in the NFL and has rarely missed time during his career.
The Steelers didn't express too much pre-draft interest in Johnson during the draft process, but that was when they applied most of their attention to different quarterbacks. Johnson's youth and stability as a starter would be a terrific addition to the roster. He could push Mason McCormick for a job and potentially take over next season if Seumalo doesn't re-sign after this campaign.
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Evan Neal, OT, New York Giants
After a poor start to his career, the New York Giants declined Evan Neal's fifth-year option. The former seventh-overall pick hasn't lived up to the hype. He has become a bust since joining the franchise. They have tried every avenue to get the best out of him as a player, but nothing has materialized. Neal is in dangerous territory, which could trigger unemployment if he isn't careful.
Neal might not get cut from the roster this year, but don't rule it out.
If he does, Khan would be wise to claim him. Neal might not be a great player, but he is getting work at guard this preseason. That would make his versatility as a tackle and guard an interesting note on his resume. The Steelers could use a young tackle on their roster to possibly give a shot at the swing tackle role.
Trevor Penning, OT, New Orleans Saints
Pittsburgh would be dealing with a similar situation between Neal and Trevor Penning in this scenario.
Both Neal and Penning have the versatility to their game, but neither has panned out in the NFL yet. Penning has become a massive disappointment with the New Orleans Saints. He has spent most of his time as their right tackle despite several injury issues that have popped up.
Penning would be less enticing than Neal since he is two years older. Both Neal and Penning are working at guard positions during early offseason workouts, but Pittsburgh could use help anywhere along the offensive line. Penning might not be a fantastic trade pickup, but he should be cheap. He also has a good amount of starting experience and can play tackle and guard if injuries occur.