The Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line had a season better than many expected. After immense struggles in the preseason, they were expected to be one of the worst units in the NFL. The starting five ended up starting all 17 of the team's games together, and their performance ended up being quite decent. They ranked in the middle of the pack in pass protection and run blocking.
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Still, the team could use an higher-caliber lineman, or two. Particularly, left tackle was the team's biggest weakness in 2022. Dan Moore Jr. failed to take a step forward in his second season, so the team could certainly look to upgrade at that position in the off-season. Of course, the Steelers have three top-49 picks in the 2023 NFL Draft. That could be an option, but they could also go back to free agency where they were able to get James Daniels and Mason Cole last off-season.
Pro Football Focus suggested that general manager, Omar Khan should go after a familiar name. That would be Isaiah Wynn, offensive tackle for the New England Patriots. If you remember, Wynn was heavily connected to the Steelers in the rumor mill before the 2022 season. He will now be a free agent this off-season, assuming he doesn't return to New England. This is what Brad Spielberger of PFF had to say on why they should go after Wynn:
"Left tackle Dan Moore Jr. has progressed nicely after being selected in the [fourth] round of the 2021 NFL Draft, and Pittsburgh extended right tackle Chukwuma Okorafor last off-season, but Wynn is a nice insurance policy at both spots," Spielberger said. "Wynn graded above 70.0 as a pass protector and a run blocker in 2020 and 2021, with his 80.7 overall grade ranking 22nd among tackles. If a starting opportunity doesn’t present itself, Pittsburgh is a good spot for a potential opportunity if either starting tackle falters early on in the 2023 season."
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After Wynn was in the rumor mill in the preseason, the Patriots opted to hold onto him. He shouldn't demand a particularly big contract, as he had a disastrous 2022 campaign. PFF ranked him 74th out of 82 qualifying offensive tackles in the NFL in 2022 with a 54.6 overall grade. Wynn was the 11th-worst pass blocker, while being middle of the road in the run game.
Now, if the Steelers were to simply bring him in as a backup, that wouldn't be a bad buy-low option. As Spielberger references, Wynn could be a good replacement if Okorafor or Moore either get injured or perform poorly. It may be unrealistic though, as his 40 starts in his four-year career suggests he'll likely look to sign somewhere that he could start right away.
Moore and Chukwuma Okorafor ranked 61st and 62nd amongst NFL tackles this season. Nothing to scoff at, but it seems they were a bit better than Wynn. Wynn could definitely win a starting job over one of the two starters, but he may find a situation with a clearer path for him.
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What would you guys think of the Steelers signing Wynn? Should they hold onto the Moore/Okorafor duo for one more season? If not, what offensive tackle do you want them to go after this off-season? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
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