One of the more glaring concerns for the Pittsburgh Steelers is the state of the offensive line. While a lot of attention was given to the offensive skill position groups and the defensive needs, the offensive line went largely unchanged through the offseason.
There were some changes, but they were more positional. Broderick Jones is sliding back to the left side and struggling. Troy Fautanu is back on the right side after missing his rookie season. Otherwise, the interior trio of Isaac Seumalo, Zach Frazier, and Mason McCormick is intact. While there’s some carryover from last season, there are still only four real years of playing experience on the offensive line outside of Seumalo.
The depth behind those already inexperienced players doesn’t inspire much confidence either. Calvin and Spencer Anderson, and Ryan McCollum are the more familiar names, but none have shown that they could be relied upon in a long-term spot. Thankfully, the issues on the line have been addressed, slightly.
Reinforcements arrive just in time for Steelers shaky offensive line
According to multiple reports on Thursday, the Steelers signed offensive lineman Andrus Peat, a former first-round pick with the New Orleans Saints. Peat, who turns 32 in November, played in Las Vegas last season but started just one game. He spent the previous nine seasons as the Saints’ left guard.
Don’t let the left guard position throw you off too much if you’re unfamiliar with Peat. The 6-7 lineman was drafted out of Stanford, where he played offensive tackle. While he was a three-time Pro Bowler as a guard, he does have positional flexibility, especially as a reserve.
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The signing of Peat doesn’t completely wash away the concerns on the Steelers' offensive front, but it does alleviate them considerably. Assuming Peat’s own health holds up (he’s never played a full season, but he’s been active for an average of 13 games per year), then the Steelers should have someone they can count on to fill any position on the line except for center, which McCollum has locked down as the backup anyway.
Peat likely won’t play in the Steelers' preseason opener since it takes place just two days after he signed. It’s more likely fans can see him on the field for the second preseason game after getting some more reps in through next week. There, he can put Steelers’ fans’ minds at ease just a bit with a solid showing.