The Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive line has shown signs of improvement, yet it continues to lag below the NFL average when compared to other teams. While the Steelers are eyeing the draft for their next center, bolstering the offensive line remains a priority. With some financial flexibility, they could explore signing a free agent offensive tackle.
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Former Packers OL David Bakhtiari smiles during an away game.
While speculation suggests the Steelers may target the draft for their next offensive tackle, they might also consider the available options in the free agent market. Despite many prominent players already being signed, viable choices remain for the Steelers should they opt for this avenue.
David Bakhtiari
Bakhtiari stands out as one of the most prominent figures on the market. Having forged his career with the Green Bay Packers as their left tackle, he served as a cornerstone of their offensive line. Throughout his 11-season tenure, he remained loyal to the Packers. However, injuries have intermittently sidelined him, posing a challenge as he confronts the inexorable march of time at 32 years old. Yet, should he manage to evade further setbacks, he might still offer a couple years of stellar offensive line performance. Over the past three seasons, Bakhtiari has been limited to just 13 games due to injuries.
Despite securing a lucrative four-year, $92 million contract extension with the Packers in 2020, Bakhtiari found himself released by the team in March 2024. The Steelers could view the seasoned veteran as a potential asset, providing invaluable leadership to their offensive line. Nonetheless, his recent injury woes remain a point of concern and likely factored into the Packers' decision to part ways with him.
Charles Leno Jr.
Leno, at 32 years old, boasts an impressive track record, having started in 141 out of 149 career games over his decade-long tenure in the NFL. During his last three seasons with the Washington Commanders, he demonstrated consistency by starting in all 47 games. As a left tackle for the Commanders, he not only provided stability, but also exhibited leadership qualities that could benefit the Steelers.
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Commanders' Charles Leno Jr. runs onto the field before a game.
While Leno shares similarities with Bakhtiari in terms of age, some may argue that the Steelers, aiming to revamp their offensive line, should prioritize younger prospects. However, for a team seeking seasoned guidance, Leno presents a viable option, potentially available at a reasonable cost. Notably, Pro Football Focus awarded him a respectable grade of 72.5 for his performance during the 2023 season.
Andre Dillard
The 28-year-old tackle boasts four seasons of NFL experience under his belt. Despite his tenure, his stint with the Philadelphia Eagles saw limited action, with just nine starts spread across three seasons. However, in 2023, he saw increased playing time, starting in 10 games for the Tennessee Titans. Despite this opportunity, Dillard's performance garnered a dismal rating from Pro Football Focus, receiving a mere 51 grade.
His presence on this list stems from his potential affordability and the fact that he's still somewhat within his prime years. Currently, the market for tackles is sparse, with the top talents already spoken for. Should the Steelers seek a budget-friendly depth addition, Dillard could fill that role. However, it's worth noting his struggles in 2023, suggesting he may not provide a significant upgrade over the current roster.
Dillard's status as a former first-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft may pique the Steelers' interest, hinting at untapped potential from his earlier years. Nonetheless, his lackluster performance in 2023 indicates that he would require significant development, making him a substantial project for any team willing to take him on.
Steelers' Best Bet For Offensive Tackle Is Via The Draft
The Steelers are facing a multitude of needs heading into the upcoming draft. Currently, the pool of available offensive line talent is significantly limited, if not practically non-existent. Consequently, the Steelers are likely to shift their focus towards the draft to secure a promising young prospect whom they can cultivate and mold. Fortunately, this year's draft class is rich in offensive tackle talent, sparking speculation that the Steelers may opt to select one in the first round.
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Former Georgia offensive tackle Amarius Mims (65) protecting his quarterback.
Insiders within the Steelers organization suggest that players such as Amarius Mims and Taliese Fuaga are on Pittsburgh's radar, with hopes that they might be available when the Steelers pick at number 20. Given the team's numerous needs, the upcoming draft is poised to play a pivotal role in determining the success of the 2024 season.
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