The Pittsburgh Steelers invested heavily in their offensive line this offseason, spending a pair of draft picks on the trenches and signing a key veteran with experience in new head coach Mike McCarthy’s scheme.
Despite those investments to shore up depth and continue the development up front under new offensive line coaches James Campen and Jahri Evans — two proven coaches – there are questions surrounding the Steelers’ offensive line.
Some of those center on Broderick Jones’ health, but after losing dependable veteran Isaac Seumalo in free agency and former starting right guard Mason McCormick sliding over to the left side with tackle Troy Fautanu, the right side of the offensive line has some questions.
That’s why the Steelers were listed as a potential suitor for veteran free agent guard Mekhi Becton by Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton earlier this week. Becton was released by the Los Angeles Chargers this offseason, one year after signing a two-year deal in free agency following a rebirth in Philadelphia.
“Although Becton started in 14 of 15 outings with the Chargers, he battled knee and hand injuries that may have affected his performances. The 6-7, 363-pound guard also suffered a concussion last year. Los Angeles released him before free agency in March,” Moton writes. “Becton has an extensive injury history that dates back to his four-year stint with the New York Jets.
“Yet when healthy, the massive interior lineman can be an asset to a team that needs insurance for an underperforming starter or intends to feature a downhill ground attack in the upcoming campaign.”
Becton turned his career around in Philadelphia, playing a vital role in the trenches as the Eagles won the 2024 Super Bowl. That led to him landing a nice contract from the Chargers in free agency, where he projected as a great fit under head coach Jim Harbaugh.
Things didn’t go all that well for him in Los Angeles though.
Becton played 734 snaps for the Chargers last season, according to Pro Football Focus, grading out at just a 35.7 overall. That was by far the lowest grade of his career, especially coming off a 75.3 overall mark in 2024 with the Eagles. Becton allowed 37 pressures and three sacks last season and really struggled as a run blocker.
He was called for five penalties and was the weak link of the Chargers’ offensive line, one that dealt with major injuries.
The former first-round pick makes sense as a buy-low candidate due to his experience and his ability to play guard and potentially tackle at this point in his career. But the Steelers appear to have good depth there overall with Spencer Anderson and Brock Hoffman projected to battle it out for the starting job at right guard, while rookie third-round pick Gennings Dunker is the backup — for now — after working at left guard in OTAs and minicamp.
The Steelers look good on paper at tackle, too, with Dylan Cook projected as the starter at right tackle with first-round rookie Max Iheanachor waiting in the wings to step. Veteran Jack Driscoll is another option at both guard and tackle and has the past experience and familiarity with the Steelers.