There was optimism at one point for the Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line this season. James Daniels was supposed to come in and dominate at right guard, while Dan Moore Jr. was expected to take a step forward in his second season. Chukwuma Okorafor, fresh off a hefty contract extension, was hopefully going to live up to the $29.25 million the Steelers paid him as well. While the regular season hasn't even started yet and those things can still happen, the tea leaves tell us they won't.
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With training camp fully complete and two preseason games under the belt, the offensive line has showed glaring concerns for this season. Concerns became amplified in Saturday's win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, as the offensive line was consistently torn apart by the Jaguars defensive front. As a result, it's natural to consider potential reinforcements. While it's unlikely the team does it, here are some potential free agent options along the offensive line:
JC Tretter, C
This is the biggest name left in free agency amongst the offensive linemen, and he's the best one as well. Tretter was cut by the Cleveland Browns in a move that saved the team $8 million. After the Browns suffered two injuries at the center position in Dawson Deaton and Nick Harris lately, Tretter could be headed back to Cleveland. Since he remains a free agent, he shouldn't come too expensive.
Tretter is coming off a season in which Pro Football Focus rated him 79.4. He's still very good. Mason Cole has surprisingly been the Steelers' best offensive lineman so far, so it may not make sense to move him. For that, a match between the two sides may not make much sense. He's worth mentioning because of his talent though, but the Steelers would have to do some shuffling around on the offensive line just a few weeks before the regular season.
Ereck Flowers, G
There's no need to go deep into detail on this one, as our very own CJ Lester advocated for the Steelers to sign Flowers. After a worrisome start to his career, Flowers has become a decent player. In 2021, he was given a 72.0 rating by PFF. At guard, he could help replace a weak spot at left guard where Kendrick Green and Kevin Dotson continue to battle it out over who plays not as bad as the other.
John Leglue, G/C
I know, Leglue isn't a free agent, he's already on the Steelers roster. He came out of nowhere to earn his roster spot in 2021, starting five games in the process. In the preseason, he's arguably been the team's best interior lineman. He's versatile and can play all over the line, but perhaps the Steelers could opt to try him over Green and Dotson.
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Unfortunately, most of the top guys available in free agency are tackles. With Moore entering his sophomore season and Okorafor fresh off a huge contract, it's unlikely for anyone else to start at tackle barring injury. Those two will get this season to prove themselves and show potential improvement. That likely eliminates top OL free agent tackles like Jason Peters, Brandon Shell, Bobby Massie, and Eric Fisher. Those four names would present upgrades though, so it's worth mentioning.
The same can't be said for the interior part of the line though, as left guard seems to be the specific spot that a signing could take place. It's unlikely the team goes out and signs one of these guys, but after Saturday's game, it's important to at least look at the possible alternatives.
What do you think the Steelers should do about the offensive line? How concerned are you about this group heading into the regular season? Let us know your thoughts on the OL in the comment section below!
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