Considering the names tied to the Steelers’ offseason, the “biggest story”, believes one beat writer coming out of the Combine is surprising. It’s not Aaron Rodgers, for example—although it certainly could be. But we knew going into the Combine that Rodgers would be a question. We were less clear on what might be going on with the Steelers’ offensive line.
During the Combine, Steelers GM Omar Khan addressed the status of his first draft pick on the offensive line, Broderick Jones, a first-round selection in 2023. He suffered an injury late in the season of unreported severity. Speaking to the media, Khan said, basically, that they hope he might be ready by training camp. On top of that, you have free agency and other questions to consider.
“To me, the biggest story was the uncertainty at offensive line”, said Steelers beat reporter Ray Fittipaldo on the #1 Cochran Sports Showdown. “Nobody’s talking about the Steelers drafting another offensive lineman, but they don’t know the recovery schedule for Broderick Jones, who had neck surgery. They’re hoping to know something by training camp, but that’s in doubt right now. And Calvin Anderson, their top backup, blew out his knee in December, and he wouldn’t be ready to compete, either”.
It was in 2023 that the Steelers began to rebuild their offensive line in earnest. That is when they drafted Jones, having already signed Isaac Seumalo in free agency. Now Jones’ injury puts the left tackle position in flux and Seumalo could leave in two weeks.
“I’m not saying that [the Steelers will draft an offensive lineman], but with Isaac Seumalo at left guard hitting free agency, there’s some uncertainty there”, Fittipaldo said regarding how the team might address the position. “And I think either through free agency or the draft at some point—not Day 1—that they will draft their offensive line”.
The Steelers addressed the offensive line three times in the first four rounds in 2024. Those three players—Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier, and Mason McCormick—are all starters. But even if we lean into generosity and claim they have homegrown replacements at left guard and tackle, there is the depth to consider.
Because if we pencil Dylan Cook and Spencer Anderson into the Steelers’ starting offensive line, who backs them up? There is Ryan McCollum at center, who could also play guard. But he is a restricted free agent that they need to re-sign first, anyway. And who else is there? They could bring back Andrus Peat, who is also a free agent, and Max Scharping.
Even if Jones and Seumalo play for the Steelers this season, they might still want to address the offensive line. Seumalo isn’t getting any older and this could be Jones’ final season if he doesn’t earn a second contract. They would have decent depth if Cook, Anderson, and McCollum were their backups again. But Anderson is going into his final season, too, mind you, and he would jump at any chance to compete for a starting job, I would think.