Steelers' Unexpected Offensive Line Move Is Imminent: "That's Probably Going To Happen This Spring"

The Pittsburgh Steelers face some big decisions when it comes to personnel groups ahead of the 2026 NFL season. The team's offensive line is a big question mark, as there are multiple position battles, rookies, and discussions about which sides particular players will play on. With a big injury to the 2025 starting left tackle, Broderick Jones, toward the back half of the 2025 season, the situation became even more complicated. In relief of Jones, a former undrafted free agent, Dylan Cook filled in the spot and played tremendously. Then, the Steelers used their first-round pick on tackle Max Iheanachor from Arizona State University.

The Steelers clearly have a lot of quality depth on their offensive line. The team hasn't shied away from the fact that it wants to dominate the trenches, having used three of its last four first-round picks on offensive linemen. 

The upcoming offseason activities will prove a lot for what direction Pittsburgh wants to go with its combinations, especially on the left side. Jones is still battling through injury, so he could be looked at as a depth piece or swing tackle early on. Cook could have a spot, but would battle with Iheanachor. 

Another possible shake-up is starting right tackle Troy Fautanu moving to the left side. He played there in college, and would allow for a more natural transition for a rookie like Iheanachor, who played on the right in college. Steelers beat writer, Ray Fittipaldo, appeared on an episode of the North Shore Drive podcast and explained that a change at left tackle is inevitable and could be coming soon. 

"We know Troy could flip over to the left. That's probably going to happen this spring," Fittipaldo said. 

Fautanu has proven to be a very solid right tackle. He made some huge strides in 2025, when he played his first full season after his rookie campaign was cut short. He protected the Steelers quarterbacks' blindside well. Moving offensive linemen around has become an oftentimes negative tradition for the Steelers. Jones, having started as a right tackle before being moved to left, is often pointed at because of some developmental issues.

However, in this case, the right tackle move was the "out of position" move for Fautanu initially. His elite play in college was protecting his left-handed quarterback. His move back to the left would allow Iheanachor to stay at his natural spot. 

Pittsburgh hopes to involve its youth on the line, but in a helpful way. Iheanachor may not be ready right away, which makes the depth pieces of Cook, and maybe even a healthy Jones, so valuable. 

Fautanu is only going into his third NFL season, but really only his second full one because he only played just one game in 2024. The ability for him to be versatile could prove to be very important. The Steelers want to get the combination right, while still allowing their young players to get reps.

Steelers Have So Many Potential Combinations 

Having a lot of options isn't a bad thing. There's a ton of starting-caliber players on the roster. However, Organized Team Activities (OTAs) and then into training camp will spell out which positions and personnel the team will have on its line. 

Whether or not the franchise wants a rookie at right tackle or at left guard will be determined throughout the summer's offseason activities. The hope is to experiment with these practices, so the unit can hit the ground running in the regular season. 

The team will need to ensure it has its line together to allow some time to gel. The group continued to grow in 2025, and with some movement, it'll need some time to get up to speed. The rest of the offseason will be vital to make sure the Black and Gold get back to winning in the trenches on the offensive side of the ball. 

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