The Pittsburgh Steelers have used this offseason to make some improvements to the offensive side of the ball. With Aaron Rodgers returning for his final NFL season, the Steelers added receivers Michael Pittman and Germie Bernard.
They join DK Metcalf in the receiver room and form a solid trio. But with Rodgers being 42 years old, having good offensive linemen in front of him is a must. The Steelers drafted offensive tackle Max Iheanachor, but he's more of a development project.
While there's excitement here, all these moves have put center Zach Frazier on the back burner. And heading into 2026, he's easily one of their best players and got some recognition from ESPN's Ben Solak.
Solak pointed out breakout candidates for all 32 teams in the league and listed Frazier as his choice for the Steelers.
"Frazier unlocks the full menu of run concepts for Pittsburgh -- per ESPN's numbers, the Steelers ran the common run concepts (outside zone, inside zone, duo, power, etc.) at league-average rates. His experience snapping the ball to Aaron Rodgers is certainly helping the mental side of his game as well. Of all the players on this list, Frazier would be my bet to eventually become the best player at his position in the NFL."
Frazier is going into his third year in the NFL, but he seems to be on his way to taking yet another leap in his progression.
No one is talking about Pittsburgh Steelers center Zach Frazier
Offensive linemen don't usually get much public praise, as they don't play a flashy position, but everyone knows how important they are. Over the last two seasons, he has been one of the best players at his position, and his grades on Pro Football Focus back that up.
Season | Overall Grade | Pass Blocking Grade | Run Blocking Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
2024 | 76.8 (6th among 43 graded centers) | 66.6 (13th among 43 graded centers) | 79.7 (6th among 43 graded centers) |
2025 | 73.5 (8th among 40 graded centers) | 74.7 (5th among 40 graded centers) | 71.6 (11th among 40 graded centers) |
Frazier was the Steelers' highest graded offensive lineman for the last two campaigns. Solak pointed out that Frazier had a 2.7 percent QB pressure rate on NFL Next Gen Stats, which was the best number for any offensive lineman with 300-plus snaps.
Not only is he rock solid in pass protection, but his athleticism gives the Steelers another element in the run game. He has the foot speed and strength to consistently move defenders off their spots. The best part about Frazier is that he's still on his rookie deal and has two years left on it.
Having a center that is this good in both phases is a game-changer for an offense and gives the playcaller/quarterback so much flexibility. The Steelers have that in Frazier, so the connection of Rodgers/McCarthy will have a difference maker in the middle of their line.
Frazier is a center. That isn't an exciting position that fans talk about, but when gameday comes, his impact will be felt and make the Steelers a better team for it. He definitely has a chance to cement himself as one of the best centers in the NFL.
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