Steelers' Polarizing Offensive Weapon Lands Gigantic Deal In The AFC

The Pittsburgh Steelers are going to have a different looking roster in 2025 as the organization had more players scheduled to become free agents than they did in 2024. Players that fit that mold include Najee Harris, Dan Moore Jr., and all three quarterbacks that were on the roster in 2024. Moore is the first player off the market, as he agreed to an extremely lucrative deal with the Tennessee Titans on the first day of legal tampering. Some fans in Pittsburgh would probably be surprised by the amount of money Moore received, but it turns out he is very respected throughout the league.

It was well known throughout the 2024 season that Moore would not be brought back after his contract expired. Pittsburgh had recently invested at both tackle positions by selecting Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu in the first round of the last two NFL Drafts. Moore was fairly inconsistent throughout his time in Pittsburgh as he was the primary left tackle over the last four seasons. He had bad games, but overall, he was an average player for his position. He wound up landing a large deal with Tennessee that makes him one of the highest-paid left tackles in the league.

There were moments throughout Moore's time in Pittsburgh where it was assumed he would be benched or lose his starting job during training camp. That never happened, even though the Steelers traded up for Jones in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft and he competed with Moore during training camp ahead of his rookie year.

Moore held his own at his position, and he solidified his role after Chukwuma Okorafor was benched during the 2023 season. This forced Jones to start at right tackle throughout the remainder of his rookie year, and that trend continued in 2024 after Fautanu suffered a season-ending knee injury.

The Steelers have been trying to replace Moore for a couple seasons now, which may make some doubt Tennessee's titanic investment in the left tackle. Moore has started 66 games over his NFL career, which made him one of the most experienced players at the position on the open market. This is a part of the reason the lineman earned such a large contract, as well as his leadership skills. 

The Titans are expected to have a rookie quarterback during the 2025 season as they currently hold the number one pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. They might not draft a quarterback, but they are in a good position to. The investment in the offensive line points to the organization bringing in a rookie to lead the offense.

Steelers Can Finally Move Broderick Jones To His Natural Position

Jones has struggled over his first two seasons in the NFL, but he has also been played out of position. His best game as a professional might have been his first start against the Baltimore Ravens during his rookie season when he played left tackle in relief on Moore, and that was the only time he got to play the position. He was expected to eventually take over the role during the 2024 season, but Fautanu's injury threw a wrench in that plan. 

In 2025, Jones will finally likely get the chance to show what he can do on the left side, while Fautanu can take over on the right and show why the organization took him in the first round in 2024.

What do you think of Moore getting paid? Let us know in the comments below!

#SteelerNation