Most of the talk for the Steelers so far this offseason has been about how they are going to address their offensive line in 2023. On paper, this makes a lot of sense. The line, while an improved unit, was far too inconsistent for a rookie quarterback to thrive in. This unit hasn’t been heavily invested in, so using more capital to strengthen this group makes sense.
That said, the more you sit and think about it, you have to acknowledge that there is a real chance the Steelers ignore this position yet again in 2023. While I don’t personally believe this is the right move, it is a feasible one given how this team has operated in the past.
Assessing the Steelers line in 2023
Looking at the group, the Steelers are set to retain all five of their starters heading into 2023. This means there won’t be any apparent holes on this unit due to a free agency departure. That doesn’t mean improvements can’t be made, but it does mean this team won’t necessarily have to address the group in 2023.
The team seemed to hit on both free agents that they brought in last year. James Daniels was the best lineman overall and Mason Cole did a fine job of solidifying the center position. Both are locks to return and start next season.
The team also has two young starters who have been very hot and cold. Dan Moore has continued to grow as a left tackle, but his ceiling isn’t that high. Add in his inconsistencies as a pass blocker and it is hard to count on him for every game. That said, the Steelers seem to like him, and it wouldn’t be shocking to see him return as a starter next season.
Kevin Dotson looked like a future mauler his rookie season, but he has seemingly struggled to get out of Mike Tomlin’s doghouse. While he flashes dominant play at times, he also struggles with poor decisions and inconsistencies that make him a liability.
Frankly, I doubt the Steelers sign anyone in free agency to start over them. A rookie would make more sense, as they could compete with Dotson or Moore for a starting gig. Anyone they sign would come in and instantly be the starter and likely at a higher cost.
The last name to note is Chukwuma Okorafor. While he could be a cap casualty (a move I would make, given his contract), if he stays in 2023, he will be a starter. The Steelers won’t pay him what he is scheduled to make and allow him to be the backup.
The Steelers have a slew of other needs
Assuming Okorafor stays this offseason, that leaves two potential names that could be replaced, and no realistic free agents would be brought in. If the team had no major needs on the roster, then the focus could be on improving from two middle-of-the-road starters.
That isn’t the case. Off-ball linebacker, defensive line, cornerback, and receiver all have holes with no certain answer on the roster. While the team can add to all of these positions, it is becoming less likely that a true line transformation happens.
While it isn’t my first choice, I wouldn’t be shocked to see the Steelers keep the same five starters next season. If they do make any attempt at a change, and assuming Okorafor is kept, I think the team drafts a player with one of their first four picks and positions them to compete with either Dotson or Moore. I doubt more than one starter swaps out this offseason.
For a team that has seen its line become a weakness, this isn’t ideal. Personally, this isn’t even close to the path I would take. Based on recent history and the slew of other needs on the roster though, don’t be surprised to see the Steelers offensive line remain mostly intact this offseason.