Everyone is examining the weak points on the roster, such as wide receiver, quarterback, and secondary, but there is another issue. With the amount of capital invested in the offensive line, many wouldn't imagine the Pittsburgh Steelers would have issues across the trenches. Sadly, they might have a growing concern that could explode with one injury hitting their starting five.
Their lack of depth on the offensive line behind the starters is a massive ticking timebomb waiting to explode.
Four out of the five projected starters have a lot to prove at their positions. Either they are young or will be starting their first handful of games at their positions. Adding talented depth pieces behind the starting group would be best for business. If they refuse to consider adding some outside options as free agents, on the trade market, or from the UFL, they will be sorry.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have offensive line depth issues that could be fixed with UFL additions
Steven Gonzalez, OG, St. Louis Battlehawks
Pittsburgh has pieces set at the two guard positions, with Mason McCormick and Isaac Seumalo as starters. Spencer Anderson and Max Scharping are in line to make the roster as depth pieces, but their jobs aren't secure. Steven Gonzalez is coming off a terrific campaign during his 2025 stint in the United Football League. He is someone who could push for a job.
Gonzalez played for Penn State, where he started an eye-popping 41 games.
He went undrafted during the 2020 NFL Draft and bounced around for a little before taking a sabbatical from the game. He returned in 2023 and joined the Battlehawks of the UFL. Gonzalez is coming off All-UFL honors at the guard position and could win a roster spot with the Steelers with a strong preseason performance.
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Ryan Nelson, OT, Michigan Panthers
Outside of a short try-out stint in the NFL, Ryan Nelson has failed to acquire much attention from the top football league. He got a call to join the Michigan Panthers two years ago, and things have taken flight in his football world. This free agent option is a versatile offensive lineman who could help the Steelers. He has started games on both sides of the trenches throughout his career.
He started games at tackle and guard during his collegiate career. His stint in the UFL has witnessed him play games at right guard before winning All-UFL honors as the Panthers' starting left tackle in 2025. Nelson's versatility and incredible honor in an elite group of United Football League talent should get Pittsburgh's attention. They could use someone with the versatility Nelson possesses.
Mike Panasiuk, OC, St. Louis Battlehawks
Not many offensive linemen have accomplished the accolades that Mike Panasiuk has during his spring football career. Despite countless accolades, he's had limited NFL chances. The Steelers would be wise to sign this free-agent center. The UFL veteran joined the 2025 All-UFL team. He has vastly improved since transitioning from his former defensive tackle position.
Pittsburgh has Zach Frazier as their starter at center, but they could use someone to compete with their backup, Ryan McCollum.
None of their depth options should get too comfortable, and adding a free agent like Panasiuk would accomplish that task. The amount of starting experience he has since becoming a center in the UFL is staggering, and his laundry list of accomplishments in the spring should make this an easy decision.