Steelers Insider Hints Big Problem Coming For Offensive Line

The Pittsburgh Steelers have done a really nice job under general manager Omar Khan of fortifying their trenches over the last few drafts. With James Campen back alongside Mike McCarthy and the Steelers working under a new regime, it is an exciting time for this young offensive line and the entire team. With Aaron Rodgers back for the 2026 season, it is critical that Pittsburgh does a better job of protecting him.

The Steelers seleced Max Iheanachor in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. They also selected another offensive lineman, Gennings Dunker, in the third round of that same draft. Those two exciting rookies pair with a group led by young rising star center Zach Frazier, as well as Troy Fautanu, Mason McCormick, Brock Hoffman. There also is Broderick Jones, though his injury concerns are worrisome heading into the 2026 campaign. 

Spencer Anderson and Dylan Cook are also other pieces to this offensive line puzzle who have done a nice job in spot starts when called upon. Campen and McCarthy have a history of having successful offensive lines during their time working together with the Green Bay Packers. 

McCarthy knows that having the guys in front of Rodgers playing at an elite level will be necessary if the team wants to get off to a good start in McCarthy’s first season coaching the Steelers. With all of the excitement surrounding this young offensive line, Steelers insider Mark Kaboly offered a more gloomy perspective.

"You know those offensive linemen have to get paid next year too," Kaboly said. "A couple of them. I mean, where is this money coming from?"

The best thing for the Steelers is that Khan is known to be somewhat of a money wizard, so Kaboly does trust that they will always find a way to make ends meet when it comes to staying within the salary cap. In the 2027 offseason, Pittsburgh and Khan could be in a bit of a pickle when it comes to needing to pay their offensive line. Sure, they can kick the can down the road, but that is often a futile idea, as the longer a team waits to pay a player, the price typically just goes up and up.

Steeler Nation witnessed the 2023 first-round pick Jones have his fifth-year option declined. It remains unknown what is going to happen with him, but even if he did not have his worrisome injury that he is currently working through, he still would not be a lock for an extension. Jones has not lived up to the hype when Khan traded up to get him, and that is something that will get settled as more information comes out about when Jones may return to the field.

Steelers Set To Pay A Lot Of Money To Keep Young Line Intact

The Steelers drafted Fautanu, Frazier, and McCormick all in the 2024 Draft. They are not going to be free agents until the 2028 offseason, but as stated earlier, the longer Khan and Pittsburgh wait to get deals done with these young talented linemen, the higher the price will likely be. 

To avoid that, Steelers fans could see as early as the 2027 offseason a situation where large price tags need to be paid to Fautanu, Frazier, and McCormick, barring unforeseen circumstances. All three of those players have performed better than expected and are likely to continue under Campen and McCarthy’s guidance.

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