Steelers Aren't Hesitant To Add DL Depth Despite Quarterback Questions: "They Have An Idea What They Are Spending"

The Pittsburgh Steelers came into the 2025 offseason with many needs, but the ones at the top of the list were quarterback, wide receiver, and defensive line. They are in a holding pattern trying to solve the quarterback situation, but they traded for DK Metcalf, who signed the franchise's biggest contract. However, they haven't brought in any starting-caliber defensive linemen just yet, if you're not including the recently signed Daniel Ekuale.

The defensive line spots felt even more critical once the team made the expected move of releasing Larry Ogunjobi to clear cap space. Unfortunately, Ogunjobi, who the Buffalo Bills quickly signed, was suspended just as fast for violating the NFL's PED policy. This had people wondering who the team would bring in to help fill some empty roster spots. While most insiders assume the Steelers will go defensive line in the first-round of the 2025 NFL Draft since they acquired Metcalf, that is subject to who is available and how those players actually fit. If no first-round graded defensive linemen are left, they are unlikely to reach for one.  

Mark Kaboly of The Pat McAfee Show joined The Fan Morning Show on 93.7 The Fan and said that the longer the team goes without adding another veteran, it indicates that they are going with Keeanu Benton. The 2023 second-round pick was brought in as the heir apparent to Cameron Heyward. Benton is undersized as a nose tackle in the NFL, and Kaboly has suggested before that they might move him to the outside. Regardless, despite the apparent need, many think it is because they are caught up waiting for the quarterback situation to be determined. Kaboly was asked if they didn't go after a big-name free agent because they didn't know how much they could spend.   

"I don't think so," said Kaboly. "They could have manufactured money if they really needed that. [Alex] Highsmith and [Pat] Freiermuth could get you $15 [million] right off the bat. I don't think you want to do that with Minkah [Fitzpatrick], then you're pretty much pushing a year out from him. You don't want to owe him money into the future if you're not sure about him next year. Make no mistake about it; they have an idea what they are spending on the quarterback if [Aaron] Rodgers is coming, and they have a pretty good idea if he says no and they go to Russell [Wilson] how much they would give him and if not, you're just scraping the barrel. So they have an idea of how much money they are going to have."

Show co-host Adam Crowley said he felt unsure about Minkah Fitzpatrick, but wondered if Kaboly felt the team was uncertain, hence the hesitation to restructure his contract. Kaboly didn't answer directly, but said the team would restructure his if necessary -- he would likely be at the bottom of the list, however. 

Part of the problem now is that there aren't any quality defensive line guys to grab anymore in the eyes of many. Kaboly believes that putting this on Benton is a big ask, but said he at least has experience in the league. It is not unusual for rookie linemen to spend some time learning behind veterans. He pointed out that Stephon Tuitt and Heyward both did. He feels a rookie would struggle if asked to take over 80% of the snaps, regardless of how good they were in college. 

Steelers' Logan Lee Could See Some Action

The Steelers had a highly successful draft in 2024, but unfortunately, they lost a few players to injuries, including Troy Fautanu, Roman Wilson, and Logan Lee. A versatile defensive tackle, Lee was selected in the sixth round. 

After suffering a calf injury during the preseason, Lee never returned to the field, despite recovering quickly. Kaboly said he is a "new face" and expects him to factor into this season, much like Wilson will in the wide receiver room. Lee and Wilson are almost like two additional draft picks.      

Why do you think the Steelers didn't go after a big-name defensive line free agent? Tell us what you think below!

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