Steelers Have Plenty Of Quality Options To Fix Tackle Position If Broderick Jones' Struggles Continue

The Pittsburgh Steelers are already hearing some bad news early on in the season. Just ahead of the team's Week 3 matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers, rookie tackle Troy Fautanu tweaked something in his knee on Friday and the injury is expected to be around for a while. He had a knee injury during the preseason and training camp, but was thought to be fully recovered. It was reported Saturday morning that Fautanu is expected to be out indefinitely as he undergoes further evaluation.

Fautanu had become the starting right tackle ahead of the Steelers Week 2 matchup against the Denver Broncos. He played well in the game, but it meant sending Broderick Jones to the bench. Jones came out at right tackle for the Steelers’ third possession, and it was a disaster. He messed up some of his blocking assignments while also being flagged three times. His false start and two holding penalties were drive killers, and it got him benched for the rest of the contest. 

With Fautanu out for the Week 3 home opener, it means Jones will be the starting right tackle. Many are worried with how he will play after struggling as much as he did in Denver. He is getting the ultimate chance to redeem himself, but if he continues to struggles the organization may need to look elsewhere for help. 

Jones was the backup for both tackle positions, but now he is thrust into the starting lineup. Another tackle in Pittsburgh, Dylan Cook, is on Injured Reserve and is out until at least Week 5. The Steelers will need to look for help at tackle regardless of how Jones plays. 

Steelers' External Options At Tackle

There are a few ways the Steelers can go about acquiring more depth at tackle. There are still some names available through free agency, or they could explore trade options. Cameron Erving is an obvious option as he is a free agent, and he is also extremely versatile throughout the entire offensive line. Pittsburgh was relying on Jones as the backup at both tackle spots, so in an ideal world they would be able to acquire a tackle who can play on both sides. Erving checks that box for Pittsburgh. 

Erving has played meaningful snaps at all five positions on the offensive line. He was most recently a member of the Houston Texans, but was released from the practice squad after Week 1. Erving played some right tackle in 2023, but has played the most snaps in his career at left tackle. His experience and versatility makes him a perfect candidate to be signed by Pittsburgh.

If Pittsburgh wanted to find a cheap option through the trade market, General Manager Omar Khan could call someone he recently did business with. The Carolina Panthers have a versatile lineman buried in their depth chart that has no real clear path to playing time, and that is Brady Christensen. The former third-round pick is officially listed as a backup center on the depth chart in Carolina, but he also plays guard and has experience at tackle. 

It has become obvious that the Steelers do not care what a lineman's natural position is, and the coaching staff will just move them out of it regardless. Christensen is an interesting option for the same reasoning as Erving, the versatility. Pittsburgh wouldn't have to give up much to acquire Christensen via trade.

Another trade candidate would be David Quessenberry who is currently the backup right tackle for the Minnesota Vikings. Quessenberry is a veteran who is 34. He has always been a good tackle, but has never elevated his play to the level of a Pro-Bowler. He is most known for his time with Houston and the Tennessee Titans, and also for beating Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma which he was diagnosed with during his second season. He has plenty of experience at right tackle, and would be a good veteran to backup Jones. He would also be a valuable mentor to Jones.

What do you think of these external options at tackle? Let us know in the comments below!

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