The Pittsburgh Steelers were lucky enough to have just a few players playing on expiring contracts during the 2023 season, which meant the organization didn't need to worry about re-signing many of its players in 2024. That is not the case during the 2025 offseason as Pittsburgh has several key players slated to hit free agency. The two obvious ones are the quarterbacks in Russell Wilson and Justin Fields; however, there are other starters that won't be back with the team in 2025. Najee Harris is likely to leave Pittsburgh, as is left tackle Dan Moore Jr.
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Steelers' Dan Moore Jr. working on blocking Bengals' Trey Hendrickson during the 2024 season.
Moore played on the final year of his contract in 2024, and it was obvious Pittsburgh had no intention of extending him or bring him back. The organization selected left tackles in the first rounds of the last two NFL Drafts, and the franchise will be moving forward with Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu book-ending the offensive line. Jones will likely move to his natural position on the left side, while Fautanu will start on the right side.
Moore had some good performances, but he was often inconsistent. Although the left tackle has struggled at times, he has four years of experience as a starter and has played in some meaningful games. He also held his job ahead of the 2023 campaign after going through a position battle with a first-round rookie. Teams around the league respect that, and Moore should garner significant interest.
Two teams to pay attention to for Moore to potentially sign with are the Baltimore Ravens and the Cleveland Browns. Both organizations have their left tackles scheduled to hit the open market, and Moore seems like a reality for both franchises.
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Offensive tackle Dan Moore Jr. runs out of the tunnel before a Pittsburgh Steelers game.
Ronnie Stanley has been the left tackle for the Ravens since 2016, but he is getting older and his injury history is building up. According to Spotrac, Stanley could be demanding roughly $20 million on his next contract, which is something the Ravens will probably want to stay away from.
The organization needs to save cap room for the eventual extensions for Zay Flowers and Kyle Hamilton. Moore would be a cheaper option, as he is currently projected to land an annual salary just north of $12 million.
In Cleveland, the Browns have been relying on Jedrick Wills since selecting him in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He just finished his fifth season with the organization, making him a free agent. He has also struggled with injuries, and he should be considered a backup moving forward. Even if the Browns re-sign him to a cheap deal, the organization should still consider bringing in Moore to be the starter.
It seems like a reality that Moore could end up with a team in the AFC North, which has been a common theme over the last several offseasons. Player have been switching sides of the rivalries within the division, which makes the games during the season even more fun.
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Steelers' Dan Moore Jr. blocking against the Falcons in Week 1 of the 2024 season.
Steelers' Dan Moore Jr. Has Another Strong Landing Spot In The AFC
If neither the Browns or Ravens are interested in Moore, he could stay in the AFC by signing with the New England Patriots. New England has some of the most cap space in the league, and it will certainly be a priority for the organization to protect their young quarterback as he enters his second season. Drake Maye looks like he has the makings to be a star in the NFL, but the Patriots will need to surround him with good players in order for him to reach his full potential.
The Patriots' offensive line struggled in 2024, and the group needs some high-impact additions. Moore could be that piece on the left side, and he could be a good source of leadership for a relatively young team.
Where do you think Moore will end up? Let us know in the comments below!
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