The Pittsburgh Steelers are no strangers to losing players in free agency, but the past few days have brought noticeable changes. The team has completed a trade and added several quality free agents on quality contracts. Even with those improvements, there are still clear gaps that need to be addressed on the depth chart, particularly in several starting roles.
The most pressing concern right now is the uncertainty surrounding the entire left side of the offensive line.
Addressing the issues at left guard or left tackle should be at the top of the Steelers’ to‑do list in free agency. PennLive’s Nick Farabaugh recently shared new insider information about the team, noting that Pittsburgh’s most urgent priority is finding a left guard. According to Farabaugh, there may even be a free agent flying under the radar who could emerge as a realistic signing option for the Steelers.
"Steelers’ most urgent need is at LG right now." Farabaugh continued, "One name I wonder if they’d turn to is Commanders LG Chris Paul."
Adding a veteran through free agency is something the organization should seriously consider. While the Steelers hold 12 picks in the upcoming draft, they are unlikely to use all of them. Shoring up a few of their lingering depth‑chart concerns before draft day would be a wise approach, rather than leaving major needs unaddressed. Paul is a player who could help ease some of that pressure.
The Pittsburgh Steelers might locate Isaac Seumalo's replacement with Free Agent Chris Paul
Losing Seumalo early in free agency was expected, as the team seemed prepared to move on. He landed a massive deal with the Cardinals, who will be paying him generously through age 35. Pittsburgh was ready to head in a different direction, but they needed a clear plan in place. Paul could give them an ideal opportunity to get younger and more stable at left guard.
"Had a breakout year this past season starting 15 games for Washington," Farabaugh wrote. "Was a steady hand in pass protection."
Paul, a former seventh‑round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, has steadily worked his way into a starting role, earning that spot this past season. He delivered an impressive campaign and is positioned to secure a respectable contract in free agency. However, his next deal isn’t expected to be overly expensive.
According to Spotrac, his projected contract is a two‑year, $9.39 million agreement—coming in at under $5 million per season.
If Farabaugh’s assessment is accurate, Paul would be a strong addition. Signing him would ease the pressure of addressing the position at the draft. Although he has only one season of starting experience, he’s just 27 and should still have plenty of quality football ahead of him. If his projected contract is close to the mark, the Steelers would be smart to make a move.
Even if the team decides to add Paul to the roster, they shouldn’t rule out drafting a guard this year.
While Paul is a capable starter, his limited experience beyond the 2025 season raises understandable questions about his long‑term reliability. Allowing Paul to open the year as the starting left guard while a high‑profile rookie competes for the job could be the ideal scenario, and it wouldn’t require a major financial risk.