The Steelers have been working on overhauling their offensive line in recent years with the hope of restoring this group to its former glory. Part of that was through the selection of Zach Frazier in the second round this year. While he cemented his starting spot this offseason, it came as a result of Nate Herbig being lost for the season with an injury.
Herbig wasn’t going to be the long-term starting center, but he was playing well enough to potentially be the initial starter. Even if Frazier had won the week one job outright, Herbig was going to be a core interior backup and the primary backup at center.
Depth is weak there now, and the Steelers should be combing the recent cuts for an upgrade at the backup spot.
The Jaguars gave the Steelers a gift
The Jaguars opted to part ways with long-time center/interior lineman Tyler Shatley. Shatley was brought in as an undrafted free agent and worked his way up the depth chart. Eventually, he did enough to start for a few seasons. Given his age, he shouldn’t be a guy that you want starting every game, but he can hold his own as a backup.
What Shatley brings is a lot of experience and steady play. He won’t blow anyone away right now, but he can serve as a comfortable depth piece behind Frazier. While the guard depth is strong, Shatley can help out there. That said, he can serve as a veteran option as a reserve center. At worst, his play is better than currently rostered option Ryan McCollum.
While Shatley isn’t as good as Herbig was, you can’t be picky when you are scouring the recently cut for options. Offensive line depth is scarce in the NFL, and teams aren’t quick to part ways with good depth. Shatley can be a good band-aid for this season as a depth player.
In the long term, the team will need to find a fit for that reserve depth, but with the team being in a pinch in 2024, Shately seems like a gift for Pittsburgh's depth woes.