We continue our breakdown of offseason possibilities, and we finally find our focus on the offensive line. For what seems like forever, the Steelers finally have a set group of starters for the next season, and while there are some question marks, there likely won’t be a significant investment in the group this year.
It is almost certain that Broderick Jones, Isaac Seumalo, Zach Frazier, Mason McCormick, and Troy Fautanu will be your starters next year.
That doesn’t mean there won’t be some new faces, though, as the depth can always be improved. The team also has a clear tackle question mark that only gets murkier with the likely departure of Dan Moore.
The team needs to be strategic in how they construct this room, as it can keep the offensive line solid for years to come. Here is my ranking of the seven most likely moves the team will make along the offensive line this offseason.
7. Steelers draft a swing tackle
While not as talented or as deep as the 2024 class at tackle, the Steelers could dip their toe back into the tackle room to fix some of their tackle woes. While Jones and Fautanu are penciled in to start, neither is without question or a sure thing right now. Some clear competition is needed, but I’m just not confident drafting that player makes sense.
Tackle depth tends to dry up quickly on draft night due to the premium put on the position. This means to get a capable name, you likely need to use a day-two pick to get them. What the Steelers should want is healthy competition from their top backup and the odds of finding that in the draft are unlikely. Those resources would be better spent elsewhere.
6. Steelers sign a new backup center
Locking up an upgrade at backup center is a must this offseason. Frazier should be the guy long-term, but the depth behind him has been questionable. Adding a capable veteran on paper would make sense on paper. Unfortunately, with a lot of questions about the upcoming center draft class and the relative scarcity of the position in free agency, this may not prove to be effective.
While a handful of backup-caliber names are set to hit free agency, they may end up getting paid more than expected. There is a general center shortage in the NFL, and a lacking draft class won’t help that issue. There is a clear better option than bringing in a completely new face, and don’t be surprised to see this free agent class have some overpaid centers in it.
5. Steelers draft a developmental tackle
We are officially into realistic scenarios, and while this is the least important and impactful one, it makes sense for the team. There has been a renewed focus on strengthing the trenches for the team, and while the starters are along the offensive line, constantly adding talent is important. Looking for a developmental tackle in the late rounds would be smart.
Dylan Cook is still on the practice squad but may have fallen out of favor with the team. Adding a toolsy prospect that lacks refinement to be the weekly inactive is a fine move. You hope that can eventually develop into something, but at a minimum, it keeps the competition in the room alive and strong. This isn’t a must-make move, but it would be logical to draft someone late in this draft.
4. Steelers draft a backup center
While the upcoming draft class isn’t full of top-level centers, there are a lot of experienced options that lack the elite traits to make them starters but should be able to hold their own as reserves. These are your classic experienced college centers that are lacking somewhere but can play in a pinch if needed.
While I believe there is a better option to drafting someone this year given the fact that Frazier is young and cheap so you can afford a specific veteran, if that plan falls apart, drafting someone makes sense. You would need a veteran in the room as well for competition, but I can easily see this team drafting someone in 2025.
3. Steelers re-sign Nate Herbig
I feel pretty confident in this move, although I can’t rank it much higher given the fact that Nate Herbig would only be a backup. He was lost this year due to injury, but he was having a great camp and was in line to initially start at center. He can also play at guard and would likely want to remain on the same team as his brother.
Given he didn’t get to play at all this year, he shouldn’t be expensive. Offensive linemen in general maintain value due to the scarcity of them in the NFL, but a minimum deal isn’t out of the question. Or, they could land him on a multi-year deal for a fair price. He can be the top interior backup while also pushing McCormick if he struggles in year two.
2. Steelers draft a guard
While the Steelers have invested heavily in their offensive line as of late, those investments should continue this year. Every year under Omar Khan this team has taken positions in the draft to the shock of many fans. Darnell Washington wasn’t a need when he was taken while McCormick was a bit of a shock considering the depth at guard on the roster.
However, guard makes a lot of sense as a draft need next year as well. Seumalo is in the final year of his deal, and the guard market has exploded, making his next deal potentially a big one. Guards typically fall in the draft, so the team could target a name higher than many expect.
I would say any pick outside of the first round could end up being a guard, although it seems more likely to be a third or fourth-round pick if they want him to sit for a year and start after Seumalo leaves. It may not seem like an immediate need, but picking a guard checks a lot of boxes.
1. Sign a capable tackle
While drafting an eventual starter may seem like the top option for this team, tackle still poses the bigger question mark. I’ve highlighted why drafting a tackle is likely a nonfactor this offseason, but that doesn’t mean the tackle room can be ignored. Depth will be shallow without Moore, and both starters next year will have a lot to prove.
The team needs a capable swing tackle who can push for starting snaps if things go sideways for either starter. Two names stick out as potential fits, Cornelius Lucas and Trenton Brown. Both are older but have starting experience on both sides of the line. This won’t be a cheap backup either, as tackles get paid a premium, but you need a capable third option to keep pressure on both of your young starters.