The Pittsburgh Steelers are always looking for that diamond in the rough to accelerate the team's progress each year. It's one thing to keep drafting studs in the first or second round, but getting a key player for cheap late in the draft or as an undrafted free agent is always a big deal. Usually, Pittsburgh does everything it can to keep those kinds of players around long-term whenever it finds someone in that range, as the value of an overlooked player proving everyone wrong is insane while the contract is usually cheap.
Vasha Hunt / AP Photo
Former Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin stands beside Denver Broncos assistant director of college scouting Nick Schiralli at the Alabama Pro Day in 2024.
That does not appear to be the case for one player despite how great he's played and how much of a team guy he's truly been. While making a recent appearance on The North Shore Drive Podcast, Christopher Carter dropped this little nugget about the perfect diamond in the rough story.
"Dylan Cook could be the other starting tackle who could play right tackle right now," Carter said. "He's a good player; he's a good vet that filled in last year, but there's not a long-term plan to make him the guy."
Cook has been a very patient player since being signed as an undrafted free agent by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2022 and eventually going to Pittsburgh in 2023. Despite his hard work and constant growth, he was never given a proper chance to move up the depth chart and work his way onto the field. However, Pittsburgh did notice the work he did and signed him to a two-year deal prior to the 2025 season.
Matt Durisko / Associated Press
Steelers offensive lineman Dylan Cook participates in a professional football game at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA.
Cook finally got his chance in 2025 after both Broderick Jones and Calvin Anderson suffered massive injuries in the middle of the season. He took over as the starting left tackle and never looked back. He didn't just fill Jones' shoes; he was a direct upgrade at the position. The former first-round pick wasn't necessarily awful before his injury, but the undrafted free agent looked like a star.
That team-friendly two-year deal that Cook signed may end up costing him financially, as he will make just over $1 million for 2026 despite being expected to be the full-time starter. He will move to right tackle for the season, which is more of his natural position. Even if he plays great, the odds of him being a Steeler in 2027 and beyond are slim to none.
Steelers Have Clear Reason For Not Keeping Cook
Any potential long-term plan for Cook was immediately thrown out the window when Max Iheanachor was drafted in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. The expectation is that he will be the backup for the first year as he learns the NFL and refines his mechanics, but he should be the starting right tackle in 2027 and beyond. Due to his draft stock, he will get every chance to prove himself as a quality starter.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' offensive tackle Max Iheanachor going through drills at rookie minicamp on May 8, 2026.
For now, Cook will be helping to mentor the man that will eventually replace him. He is continuing to be a team player, so he has no problem helping Iheanachor learn the ropes and adapt to this new level of play. He should continue to produce at a high level throughout the season and justify Pittsburgh's decision to sign him in 2023.
Even though Cook is not in the Steelers' long-term plans, he should be in some team's plans. Quality offensive tackles don't grow on trees, so the free agent market for players like him is extremely thin. Plenty of teams will likely go into bidding wars to secure his services and make him a key part of their offensive line. If Dan Moore Jr. can get over $20 million per year, so can Cook.
What do you think about Cook not having a future in Pittsburgh? Let us know on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
#SteelerNation