With the 2022 NFL Draft concluding without the Pittsburgh Steelers selecting an offensive lineman, it could mean they're going to dip back into free agency for some depth. The Steelers already ran to sign safety Damontae Kazee within hours of the draft ending, and it's likely they will add some more pieces to the puzzle between now and training camp.
The Steelers signed guard/center Mason Cole, guard James Daniels, and re-signed veteran tackle Chuks Okorafor at the very beginning of free agency. Daniels will take over the right guard spot beside Okorafor. Cole will battle it out with Kendrick Green, and JC Hassenauer for the starting center position. That leaves left tackle Dan Moore Jr. with very little competition.
Aug 12, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers offensive guard Kevin Dotson (69) and offensive tackle Dan Moore Jr. (65) walk off the field against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Let's take a look at all of the offensive linemen on the roster currently.
Steelers Centers
Mason Cole, Kendrick Green, JC Hassenauer, and Chris Owens
Owens is an undrafted free agent that was just signed this past weekend from Alabama. He only played 210 snaps during his entire collegiate career. He and Hassenauer were teammates for three years and both played reserve roles in college. Green struggled mightily last season, but there hasn't exactly been a clear answer from head coach Mike Tomlin on if Green will switch back to guard. Hassenauer out played him in the final weeks of 2021 while Green nursed an injury. There isn't much out there in terms of centers, but they could certainly use an upgrade here.
Cole comes to the Steelers with 39 games as a starter under his belt, but he's never been considered to be a top lineman. He was replaced, and then traded by the team that drafted him. His versatility should allow him to see plenty of playing time this season even if he's not the starting center Week 1. There are lots of bodies that could be at center, but what will the performance look like? Who knows?
Steelers Guards
James Daniels, Kevin Dotson, Nate Gilliam, Malcolm Pridgeon, and John Leglue
The Steelers have three viable options at guard from this group. Daniels can play center too in a pinch, but the belief is he will only play guard for the Steelers under normal circumstances. Dotson was thought of as a sure-fire future star heading into 2021, but questions arose during the preseason about his off-season training program. While he lifted and added muscle, the coaches weren't exactly thrilled with his conditioning according to reports. He missed most of the season with a high ankle sprain.
Leglue saw a dream come true as he was able to start at guard towards the end of the season during Ben Roethlisberger's final ride. He had some solid moments, but lots of bad too. But with that said, he should get an opportunity to make the team straight out of training camp this season. Pridgeon and Gilliam are long shots at best. Gilliam had two stints on the Steelers’ practice squad in 2021 and signed a futures contract following the season. Pridgeon also spent time on the practice squad.
Steelers Tackles
Jake Dixon, Chaz Green, Joe Haeg, Dan Moore Jr., Chukwuma Okorafor, and Jordan Tucker
Tucker is a massive human who was just signed to the Steelers as an undrafted free agent from North Carolina. Green and Haeg were both off-season signings from last year when the cash strapped Steelers had no other option. Haeg surprisingly played decent, but Green was a disappointment. Dixon is a local product who is a long shot to make the roster, but could be a viable practice squad player for 2022.
Okorafor received a three-year contract, but it's essentially a one-year prove it deal for the Steelers. If they release him after 2022, they won't be on the hook for much of that contract. While he's had his struggles, he seemed to improve last season to the point he could've been the Steelers' best lineman. Not saying a whole lot, but better than being the worst. Moore had struggles but showed signs of life each week. He held the heralded Myles Garrett to one sack in two games.
Free Agents The Steelers Should Consider
Center JC Tretter - Tretter was unexpectedly released by the Cleveland Browns in March. He's started 16 games each season for the past four years for the Browns. He would bring a strong presence and another leader to a mostly young offensive line. He would solidify the middle of the offensive line for Mitchell Trubisky, or Kenny Pickett for the next few years. There are few things better for a young quarterback than a solid center who makes all of the line adjustments. It would also give Green a veteran mentor, something he hasn't had yet during his NFL career.
Tackle Eric Fisher - Fisher spent one season with Indianapolis after eight with Kansas City. While Fisher was an asset in run blocking for the Colts, his pass protection has taken a nosedive. He allowed 7 sacks last year to Carson Wentz. The Steelers will likely lean on the run game more than the pass game and giving Najee Harris another stout run blocker wouldn't hurt his progress. It would allow them to give Moore more time to grow and mature. Fisher can play either tackle positions in case of injury.
Tackle Sam Tevi - Tevi would be an upgrade from Haeg and Green immediately. He also shouldn't cost a ton as he's coming off a season in which he tore his ACL in the preseason. He had a visit with the Dallas Cowboys recently, but remains unsigned. Tevi started 15 games in his second year with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2018. He would remain the Chargers’ starting RT from 2019-2020 as well. Tevi left the Chargers as a free agent last season and signed a one-year deal with the Colts to compete for their swing tackle job. Tevi was drafted by Steelers' new offensive line coach Pat Meyer in 2017 and played under Meyer for three seasons.
Guard Daryl Williams - Williams started every game last season for the Buffalo Bills before he was released as a salary cap casualty. Williams signed a three-year extension prior to 2021, but none of the money was guaranteed beyond last season. Williams headed into last season as the starting right tackle, but moved inside to guard for the Bills and performed very well. Had he not signed a contract for a tackle, he likely wouldn't of been released. The Bills reportedly still have interest in bringing Williams back. Like all linemen that the Steelers love, Williams would be able to play multiple positions.
Other Options To Consider
- G - Billy Price
- G - Trenton Scott
- T - Cameron Fleming
