Steelers get some mixed reviews after their first crop of free agency signings

Steelers add a big guy in free agency to compete for a starting spot at guard

Adding to the offensive line has become one of the most important tasks for this front office heading into the offseason. Both left tackle and guard could use some upgrades at the starter positions heading into next season. The draft seemed like a viable option for these upgrades, but the black and gold threw their hat in the free agency pond to try and find a potential solution.

Nate Herbig was signed to a two-year contract that will pay him some top dollars for being a potential backup with the Steelers. He will likely get the first crack to battle Kevin Dotson for the starting left guard spot, but that will not be set in stone. One would also have to imagine that there could be a drafted player brought in with higher pedigree to battle for that spot as well.

Nate Herbig signing grade: B-

If Herbig only becomes a backup along the interior of the offensive line, then this is not a great signing. His cap hit would likely become expendable in another year or two as the club searches for extra cap space. Now, if Herbig does supplant Dotson as a starter and becomes a solid contributor as a left guard for this club, then this grade would have a tremendous result.