Steelers' Dan Moore Jr. Earns Teammates' Praise For Huge Raise But Faces Uncertain Future In Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Steelers fan base has been very hard on left tackle Dan Moore Jr. Drafted in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, expectations were modest, and yet Moore has consistently outperformed them. Despite calls for his replacement nearly every offseason, he has held onto the starting job and proved his value. The 2024 season has been a testament to his growth, with solid performances becoming the norm.

Week 12, however, was a low point for Moore. Facing Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett, Moore surrendered three sacks and a forced fumble in a game that highlighted the challenges of protecting against elite edge rushers. But in Week 13, he delivered a remarkable bounce-back performance. The Steelers' 44-38 win over the Cincinnati Bengals was a high-stakes matchup, and Moore rose to the occasion, neutralizing Bengals standout Trey Hendrickson and giving his offense the protection they needed.

Moore’s standout game drew praise from his teammates, with some even jokingly calling for the Steelers to "back up the Brinks truck." Steelers insider Mark Kaboly acknowledged the admiration but was quick to shut down any speculation about a big payday in Pittsburgh. With first-round tackles selected in back-to-back drafts, Kaboly assured fans that Moore’s future with the Steelers remains uncertain as he approaches free agency in the offseason. 

"Many of Steelers LT Dan Moore’s teammates joined in saying, 'Back up the Brinks truck,' following Moore’s performance against the Bengals and Trey Hendrickson," Kaboly posted on social media. "That Brinks truck isn’t backing up to 3400 S Water Street, I can assure you that when you pick OT 14 and 20 overall in back to back years. Moore will be a UFA in March."

Moore has consistently faced scrutiny throughout his career, yet each year he seems to improve. Kaboly, a vocal advocate for Moore, often highlights that he’s better than many fans and pundits believe. Despite this, Kaboly is confident that Moore won’t receive a massive payday in Pittsburgh. As an unrestricted free agent after the 2024 season, Moore’s market value will be an intriguing storyline to watch.

Moore is playing his best football at the perfect time, with his contract set to expire. Pro Football Focus has awarded him a solid grade of 70.6 for his performance this season, a testament to his reliability on an offensive line plagued by injuries. Moore’s presence has been vital, providing the protection Russell Wilson needs to unleash his signature deep throws downfield.

In a year when the Steelers have struggled with consistency on the offensive line, Moore has been a steadying force. His ability to step up in challenging matchups has been critical to the team’s success, and while his future in Pittsburgh is uncertain, his contributions this season have made him a standout performer.

Steelers' Broderick Jones Has Struggled Big Time In The 2024 Season

The Steelers traded up to select Broderick Jones in the 2023 NFL Draft, fueled by high hopes for his potential. However, Jones has struggled during the 2024 season, delivering inconsistent performances. Pro Football Focus has assigned him a disappointing grade of 55.4, emphasizing the growing value of Moore on the offensive line.

Despite Moore’s importance, Kaboly remains skeptical about the team’s ability to afford him. With limited financial flexibility, it’s unclear whether Pittsburgh will re-sign Moore or let him walk in free agency after the 2024 season.

Moore’s future with the Steelers could heavily depend on how he performs in the remaining regular season games and the postseason. A strong finish would strengthen his case for a new deal, whether in Pittsburgh or elsewhere. His contributions will undoubtedly be a key factor in shaping the team's offensive success down the stretch.

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