Most rumors surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers have General Manager Omar Khan hyper-focused on upgrading their receiving corps. While that remains on the to-do list, he cannot block himself into a corner while he looks to upgrade the roster. Mike DeFabo of The Athletic covers the Steelers, and he believes that the rehaul of the offensive line isn't complete.
"I could definitely see the Steelers looking for a more experienced swing tackle, especially considering Jones’ up-and-down play during his first two seasons and Fautanu’s injury history."
One of the main reasons is protecting Aaron Rodgers. Starting a 41-year-old quarterback presents its challenges, but it gets magnified when the elderly signal-caller has a significantly unproven offensive line in front of him. DeFabo brought up some great points, which should make Steelers Nation concerned about the current configuration of the trenches for Pittsburgh.
"He’s (Rodgers) going to be protected by Broderick Jones, who has played almost exclusively on the right side through his first two seasons, and Troy Fautanu, who has one career NFL start and will be playing the right side after focusing almost exclusively on the left in college," DeFabo wrote.
There are key positions of need for Khan to address between now and the regular season, and adding an established offensive lineman or two should be on the docket.
Pittsburgh Steelers could have free agent or trade targets to boost offensive line
Khan should add an upgrade at the swing tackle role despite Calvin Anderson re-signing with the team this past offseason. Anderson hasn't proven anything, and re-signing him to a two-year, $4 million contract was to keep a placeholder. The Steelers could review potential upgrades across the offensive line between now and Week 1 of the regular season.
READ MORE: Declined fifth-year options may give Steelers new trade targets
Steelers top free agent target: Andrus Peat, OL
DeFabo spoke about the offensive line having a weakness concerning their depth at offensive tackle as well as the interior. That should mean Khan might target a possible free agent who can start at multiple positions up front. Andrus Peat could be a terrific addition in that regard. He was an offensive tackle out of the draft, but he quickly developed into a starter at left guard.
He started games at left tackle as well during his time with the New Orleans Saints. He's still available on the free agent market, looking for an opportunity. His versatility to play guard and tackle should entice Pittsburgh to consider him. He could push Broderick Jones and Mason McCormick for their starting roles.
The Steelers must add a versatile depth option going into training camp to push some of the younger starters along the offensive line. If they fail to accomplish that task, they will be taking a massive gamble that could blow up in their face. Signing Peat would cost little value against their cap situation, and he could start games at various spots if injuries pile up.
Steelers top trade target: Evan Neal, OL, New York Giants
There are several veteran offensive linemen across the NFL to monitor this preseason. A handful of declined fifth-year option players could produce a new opportunity for Khan to pounce on. Evan Neal was the seventh overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. He has failed to live up to the hype, but a change of scenery via trade could help the soon-to-be 25-year-old turn his career around.
Neal has played on the right side during his NFL career, but adding him late in the preseason process would be betting on his improvement with a breath of fresh air.
He has been working as a guard with the New York Giants this offseason, and he has played on the left side during his college career. Neal has been atrocious in the NFL, but the Steelers would be wise to buy low in a trade with hopes of him turning things around to become a versatile depth piece for the team.