Could A Soon To Be Released Left Tackle Be An Option For The Steelers?  (Donovan Smith)
Donovan Smith

Could A Soon To Be Released Left Tackle Be An Option For The Steelers?

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
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The Pittsburgh Steelers will look to upgrade their offensive line this off-season and a new tackle option just became available. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are expected to release offensive tackle Donovan Smith as reported on Tuesday by PewterReport. Smith was a second-round pick in 2015 from Penn State. He started 124 games for Tampa Bay and helped them win Super Bowl LV. With the Steelers' lackluster offensive line, Smith could be an intriguing option during free agency. Could Pittsburgh sign Smith to come help protect Kenny Pickett

Steelers Donovan Smith

Credit: Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images

Tampa Bay is $55 million over the salary cap, the worst in the NFL. As well as Smith, Leonard Fournette is also expected to be released, while the Buccaneers try to save as much money as they can. Their cap situation was a huge reason for both of their releases. Smith has been a solid tackle for the Buccaneers over the past eight years. Going into his age-30 season, Smith could still have plenty of solid football ahead of him.  

Donovan Smith was a little up and down this past season for the Bucs. He suffered a hyperextended elbow injury early this past season that caused him to miss a few games. He racked up a foot injury later in the year that also caused him to miss some time. On top of the injuries, Smith was also dealing with some personal issues. Should this be cause for concern going into next year and beyond?  

Smith was a solid everyday tackle for most of his NFL career. The past couple of seasons for him were inconsistent, however, almost being benched halfway through this past season. Smith was nothing short of great for Tampa Bay’s Super Bowl run. Maybe a new year and a fresh team could have Smith back in form. Steelers Donovan Smith

Credit: AP Photo/Mark Humphrey

Steelers' Current Tackle Situation 

Chukwuma Okorafor is under contract for the next two years but carries a high cap hit. Okorafor had a pretty good season as the team’s main right tackle and is probably going to be back there next year. Dan Moore Jr. had a disappointing season despite finishing the year pretty well. Bringing Smith in could give a boost to him and Moore given the sure competition for the starting left tackle position.Steelers Dan Moore Jr

Credit: Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Steelers' Other Options 

It does seem unlikely for Smith to join the Steelers given his probable high price tag. They could look to sign somebody else from the free agency crop to help the offensive line. Pittsburgh could also choose to use one of their top picks on one of the top offensive tackles in the draft coming up on April 28. 

With other areas of need on the team, the Steelers could wait to draft an offensive lineman later in the draft if they don't get their hands on one of the top three. Darnell Wright and Anton Harrison are two tackles that Pittsburgh would have some interest in. With the offensive line underperforming last year, look for the Steelers to add to it in the coming months.  

Would you like the Steelers to sign Donovan Smith? Let us know in the comments below. 

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