The Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line has been a work in progress over the last few seasons, and slowly but surely it has been getting better through the draft and free agency. Broderick Jones and veteran guard Isaac Seumalo were new additions to the unit in 2023; both looked impressive and were two of the better linemen for Pittsburgh. The Steelers will certainly be looking to add more new pieces to the offensive line during the 2024 offseason, especially at tackle and center.
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Steelers rookie offensive tackle Broderick Jones walks away during a game.
Steelers Could Bring In A Familiar Face For Offensive Line Help
As of right now the Steelers are $7 million over the cap for the 2024 season. That number will certainly change as the Steelers will need to make some necessary cuts and work with players on restructuring some contracts. Regardless, the Steelers won't have a lot to work with in free agency. They will need to find starting-caliber players with a cheap price tag. According to Bleacher Report, someone that fits that mold is former Steelers tackle Chris Hubbard.
"The Steelers are going to have a hard time filling this need through free agency. They are $6.7 million over the cap heading into the offseason. They have some easy ways to generate some cap space, but this isn't their only need, and the free-agent class of tackles is relatively weak."
The 2024 free agent class certainly isn't a strong one at the tackle position, as it is headlined by Tyron Smith and Duane Brown who are both in their mid-to-late 30s. If the Steelers decide to fix their problems at tackle through free agency rather than the draft, they won't have many cheap options, but bringing in a familiar face like Hubbard who has already played for Mike Tomlin for five seasons makes sense.
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Former Steelers tackle Chris Hubbard could come back to Pittsburgh in 2024
Hubbard will be entering his 12th season in the NFL in 2024, and despite his long career, he still is an efficient and reliable tackle. He started nine games for the Tennessee Titans in 2023 before suffering a season-ending bicep injury. During his time as the starter prior to his injury, he was one of the better players along the Tennessee offensive line, which is why he is a great candidate to join the Steelers in the 2024 offseason.
"An aging veteran who has experience as a swing tackle could be a worthwhile investment. Chris Hubbard played that role for the Titans this season and was one of their better-graded linemen via PFF's metrics. He scored a 69.0 on 473 snaps."
Hubbard's Pro Football Focus grade of 69.0 in 2023 was significantly higher than both of the Steelers current starting tackles, as Jones was graded a 57.3 and Dan Moore Jr. was given a grade of 54.3. Hubbard played well in the nine games he started. His contract that is expiring paid him just over $1.3 million, and since he is now coming off of an injury, his new deal will probably be around the same despite his solid performance in 2023.
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Steelers offensive tackle Broderick Jones gets ready to block Buffalo Bills pass rusher Leonard Floyd during their 2023 AFC Wildcard matchup in Orchard Park, NY.
Jones was originally drafted as a left tackle, but wound up starting the majority of the season on the right side of the offensive line. Tomlin recently spoke about the plans for Jones going forward, and said he hasn't made up his mind about whether or not he will be moved back to his natural position on the left side. Hubbard has played right tackle for the majority of his NFL career, so bringing him in for the 2024 season will allow Jones to move back to left tackle and likely perform better on the side he is most comfortable with.
Bringing Hubbard back to Pittsburgh is certainly a smart move for the Steelers if they decide to address the tackle position through free agency. He has experience, still plays at a high level and should be cheap enough for the Steelers. The only thing that may turn the Steelers away is the bicep injury Hubbard is currently recovering, especially considering he will be entering his age-33 season.
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