The Pittsburgh Steelers have just a few positions of concern as we head closer to the beginning of training camp in the later parts of July. Their offensive line, once a strong suit of the team, has been lackluster the last few seasons as heavy turnover has left these positions with players with less experience. Specifically at offensive tackle, where Dan Moore Jr. and Chukwuma Okorafor are set to be the two starters this upcoming season.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 31: Myles Garrett #95 of the Cleveland Browns rushes against Dan Moore Jr. #65 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 31, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
These are one of these positions, which have led to fans and media outlets speculating on whether the Steelers should bring in help from the free agency market to shore up this offensive line for Mitch Trubisky or Kenny Pickett. There are multiple options that the Steelers could look into, but one of the more intriguing ones is veteran offensive tackle, Bryan Bulaga.
Steelers could use Bulaga for depth help; could become starter
Bulaga is a 10-year veteran in the NFL, recently playing for the Los Angeles Chargers for two seasons. Bulaga is more known for his time spent with the Green Bay Packers, as they drafted him in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft.
After being one of the more household names when it comes to offensive linemen for the entirety of the 2010s, Buluga is looking for one more opportunity to prove himself again. He was a part of a stellar Green Bay Packers offensive line and a premier right tackle for Aaron Rodgers.
Bulaga signed with the Chargers in 2020, but did not receive nearly the same snap count that he got in Green Bay. In 2021, he suffered a back injury in the season opener that later required core muscle surgery and prevented him from getting back on the field. He was then released earlier this year and, surprisingly, has yet to find a team that wants his services.
Bulaga has started 122 career games, but only 11 in the last two years. Pro Football Reference's Approximate Value Average during his first six seasons was a 7.67, including his 2016 season in which he scored a 10. Since then, he has had just one season over that average despite heavy snap counts with the Packers up until 2020. Despite less playing time with the Chargers, his penalties actually went down, as he committed just one holding call in this past season in his entire Charger career.
Bulaga would have the opportunity to prove he can start, and even if he loses either of the tackle jobs, he would be a great depth piece in case one of them were to underperform or get hurt.
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 01: Bryan Bulaga #75 of the Green Bay Packers in action against the New York Giants during their game at MetLife Stadium on December 01, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
What is even more enticing about Bulaga is that he would be somewhat cheap. The team would be risking next to nothing bringing him in on a veterans minimum deal or anything close to that. The rewards could be massive for both him and the Steelers, and that's why Bryan Bulaga could be the right fit.
What do you think, #SteelerNation? Would adding Bryan Bulaga be a good addition for the Steelers for this upcoming season? Do you have your eyes on another offensive linemen that could help? Are there any other unsigned players in free agency that the Steelers should bring in to help other positions of need? Let me know in the comments or @anthonyravasio on Twitter.
