The Pittsburgh Steelers’ offensive line has taken a step back over the past few years. After the retirements of guys like Maurkice Pouncey, David DeCastro, and others, it hasn’t been the same. Rightfully so, as those were perennial All-Pro guys that aren’t easy to replace. It was the team’s biggest issue in 2021. They addressed that in the off-season by signing Mason Cole and James Daniels, who happened to be the team’s best linemen in 2022.
Credit: Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
Overall, the offensive line exceeded expectations. After a miserable preseason, they eliminated a ton of those doubts throughout the season. As head coach, Mike Tomlin alluded to in his press conference, their availability was their best trait this year. The five starters started all 17 games together, as Cole did leave a few games due to injury. Still, there’s room for improvement performance-wise, particularly at the tackle position. Jersey Jerry, a personality for Barstool Sports who is a big Steelers fan, has lobbied for a veteran OT:
— Taylor Lewan (@TaylorLewan77) January 10, 2023
Jersey Jerry looks like he found his off-season plans 😂 https://t.co/jUBWpvNmfq
— Taylor Lewan (@TaylorLewan77) January 11, 2023
If you’re unfamiliar, that would be Taylor Lewan of the Tennessee Titans. Lewan is also a Barstool employee, heading the podcast “Bussin’ With The Boys” with fellow NFL player Will Compton. Since tearing his ACL for the second time in just a few years, the nine-year offensive lineman has been transparent. Due just under $15 million in 2023, Lewan fully expects to be cut this off-season.
PITTSBURGH, PA - AUGUST 24: Current GM Omar Khan of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on from the sideline before a preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Heinz Field on August 24, 2013 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Chiefs defeated the Steelers 26-20. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images)
While he obviously doesn’t want that to happen, it’s reality. He will be 32 years old by Week 1 of the 2023 season, and the Titans can cut him for virtually no cost. Originally signed to a five-year, $80 million deal, he is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent after the 2023 season anyways. In a recent episode, Lewan did discuss teams that would be of interest to him. The Steelers didn’t particularly come up in the conversation, while the Las Vegas Raiders, Arizona Cardinals, and a few others did.
Known as arguably the most important position in football, Lewan plays left tackle. Ironically, the Steelers' worst offensive lineman is left tackle, Dan Moore Jr. After an encouraging training camp, Moore failed to take a step forward in his sophomore year in 2022. As a result, general manager, Omar Khan may very well look for a replacement. Who knows if Lewan could hypothetically be that guy.
It's unclear as to how much he has left in the tank, as injuries and age have caught up to him over the past few years. At one point in time, he was considered one of the best tackles in football, making the Pro Bowl all three years from 2016-2018. Lewan's been clear that retirement may be in consideration as well, particularly if he can't get a starting job somewhere. Regardless, he likely would be an upgrade over Moore. If it came at a cheap cost, perhaps Khan should be interested in the Titans veteran lineman.
Credit: Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
Should Khan look at a LT replacement this off-season? Would you be interested in Lewan as a potential free agent signing? Who do you like in the 2023 NFL Draft class? Share your thoughts in the comment section below, yinz!
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