Steelers could trade this polarizing offensive lineman before Week 1

The Steelers' roster has seen improvements across the board, but as the regular season approaches, one name frequently mentioned as a potential trade candidate is Dan Moore. Last year, we saw Kendrick Green traded to the Texans and Kevin Dotson to the Rams.

It remains to be seen if the Steelers will continue this trend of trading players with expiring rookie contracts to maximize their value before they likely enter free agency.

Steelers could trade Dan Moore Jr.

Pittsburgh drafted Troy Fautanu in the first round this year, potentially replacing Dan Moore as a starter. We will see how Fautanu performs in training camp to determine if he will be the Week 1 starter. If Fautanu excels and quality tackles are released before rosters are trimmed to 53 players, the Steelers might explore the trade market for Moore, who has 49 career starts.

Since Moore is likely to leave in free agency after this season, a trade could provide him with a fresh start and give Pittsburgh additional draft capital. However, this scenario hinges on the availability of a tackle with similar experience being released, which would make trading Moore a viable option.

The Steelers have a well-known tendency to ease their rookies into the lineup rather than starting them immediately. Last season, we saw this approach with Broderick Jones, Keeanu Benton, and Joey Porter Jr., all of whom took a while to secure their starting roles.

Troy Fautanu undoubtedly has the potential to be a Day 1 starter, given his impressive skill set and talent. However, considering the Steelers' preference for gradually acclimating their new players, Fautanu will need to have an exceptional training camp to break this tradition and earn significant playing time right from the start.

His ability to adapt quickly to the NFL and showcase his readiness will be crucial in determining how soon he can make an impact on the field.

If Troy Fautanu adapts well to the NFL learning curve, that would be an ideal outcome for the Steelers. However, in my opinion, trading Moore would be unwise.

Although Moore has been inconsistent as a starter, he would make an excellent backup tackle when Fautanu eventually takes over the starting role. Right tackle insurance with substantial starting experience is rare and valuable, and keeping Moore around to finish his rookie contract would be a smart move.

Moreover, having a reliable backup like Moore is crucial in case of injuries, which are common in the NFL. His familiarity with the team's system and his ability to step in as needed provide the Steelers with a safety net that shouldn't be underestimated.

While the Steelers don't have many players they can afford to trade, Dan Moore would, unfortunately, be the most realistic candidate if a trade were necessary. However, maintaining depth and experience on the offensive line is paramount for the team's success, making it more beneficial to keep Moore on the roster.