The Odds Steelers' Dan Moore Jr. Stays Increase With Every Poor Performance From Broderick Jones

The Pittsburgh Steelers likely thought they had solved most of their offensive line woes when they drafted back-to-back first-round tackles in Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu. While Head Coach Mike Tomlin or General Manager Omar Khan would never reveal their plans, the consensus among the media is that with the tackle position locked down, Dan Moore Jr. could explore free agency. 

Moore, who plays left tackle, was Pittsburgh's fourth-round pick in 2021. He has steadily gotten better each season, but the Steelers have worked to find his replacement in every draft. However, neither Jones nor Fautanu was able to beat Moore out of his starting job. 

Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette spoke with The Fan Morning Show on 93.7 The Fan. Crowley mentioned that initially, everyone assumed Moore would move on and get paid at the end of 2024 since the Steelers have two young tackles. Now that Jones has been struggling, the talk has shifted to the possibility that Moore might remain a member of the Black and Gold. Crowley asked Batko if there was a chance Moore would remain a Steeler, and if so, what percentage? 

"I think there's a chance," said Batko. "Every passing week that Jones struggles, I think the chance goes up incrementally. I still would not put it above 50-50, but maybe 20-25% just because Jones isn't playing well. You're not going to write the guy off after two years. Also, Troy Fautanu is coming off a pretty significant injury himself. Do you feel like you need another gap year or bridge year?"

During the 2024 camp, many assumed the plan would be to use Jones on the left side, where he played in college, and have Fautanu play on the right side. Moore, who says he can only play on the left side, could still outperform the two rookies and keep his job.

All indications have been that Moore has been there to help and support Jones and Fautanu every step of the way. It is hard to find consistent linemen in the NFL, and that is why Batko believes that Jones will be well compensated by his next team, whether it is Pittsburgh or elsewhere. He knows his worth. 

"The only thing that would give me pause on that, just from talking to Moore and being around him, I don't think he would settle for a one-year deal," added Batko. "No, no, no. He's gonna say, 'I've done what I've done these last four years, held off all challengers, gotten better, I am going to get the bag. If it's not here, sorry Steelers, thanks for the opportunity. Thanks for drafting guys at my spot in the first round every year. I am going to get paid somewhere, and it's going to be a multi-year deal.'"

Moore played well enough in 2023 to earn himself an incentive bonus, and that hard work is going to pay off. If the Steelers feel they need to retain him, it won't be for the roughly $3.4 million they paid him for 2024. 

Do Steelers Fans Need To Pump The Brakes?

Former Steel City quarterback Ben Roethlisberger certainly thinks so. However, the fans and the media fervor have increased since Russell Wilson took over under center. The future Hall of Famer credits players like Moore for their hard work but thinks it is too soon to get this excited. 

The Steelers are 6-2 in their bye week and are waiting to play the Washington Commanders in Week 10. The team is far from perfect and several injuries have had an impact. That is especially true of Fautanu's since Jones seems to have taken a step back. In addition, the defensive line struggled to stop the run in their win over the New York Giants. 

Regardless, optimism remains high, even with Roethlisberger trying to burst the bubble. Pittsburgh is still playing better than most expected. 

What do you think will happen with Moore in 2025? Click to comment below. 

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