The NFL is seeing a full-blown veteran resurgence, and the Pittsburgh Steelers could easily join the trend. Philip Rivers just signed with the Colts' practice squad amid their quarterback crisis, while Jason Pierre-Paul reunited with the Buccaneers. Neither has played in years, and Rivers is literally a grandfather now, but teams are leaning on experience as the playoff race tightens.
For a Steelers team trying to make a push of its own, veteran depth in the trenches would go a long way.
Pittsburgh hasn’t shied away from older reinforcements. Aaron Rodgers was chosen to lead this offense, they invested heavily in Darius Slay, and when that failed, they replaced his roster spot with an even older Adam Thielen. Another name that fits the trend: former Steelers lineman Chris Hubbard. A reunion makes almost too much sense.
Chris Hubbard fits what the Steelers need along the offensive line
An undersized undrafted free agent in 2014, Hubbard climbed from practice squad body to reliable backup and eventually a starter. He spent a short stint starting in Cleveland before transitioning into a journeyman depth piece. Now nearly 35, he’s sitting on the Lions practice squad — a logical target for Pittsburgh.
The Steelers desperately need help. Broderick Jones is out for the season, Andrus Peat left the last game injured, and even when healthy, Peat isn’t an ideal option at tackle anymore. Hubbard doesn’t perfectly fill the left tackle void; he’s primarily a right tackle and has experience at guard, but his versatility is what makes him valuable.
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Calvin Anderson hasn’t held onto a role despite multiple injuries on the line. The team turned to Peat and, now potentially Dylan Cook, at left tackle. If things get even more desperate, they may even ask Troy Fautanu to switch sides. Hubbard, meanwhile, can naturally slot in at right tackle without much disruption.
He also brings insurance at guard. Spencer Anderson is more of a sixth lineman right now, and with Peat shifting roles due to injury, Pittsburgh lacks a true interior backup. Hubbard has played guard in a pinch and understands the demands of multiple spots.
Because he’s currently on a practice squad, his conditioning should be solid. As a veteran with years of experience adjusting midseason, he’d bring smart, stabilizing depth to a unit that needs it badly.
Would he be a high-end starter? Probably not. But he would immediately strengthen the Steelers' offensive line depth heading into the most important stretch of the year. With other teams embracing reunions with aging veterans, Pittsburgh should follow suit, and Chris Hubbard is the ideal candidate.