Steelers' Expected Free Agent Visit Sparks Major Concern Over Team's Confidence In Offensive Line

The Pittsburgh Steelers have changed up the roster a ton over the course of the 2025 offseason. Interestingly enough, the one positional group that is lining up to look exactly like the fan base expected is the offensive line. Four full-time starters from 2024 return with former first-round pick Troy Fautanu healthy and ready to work as the team's starting right tackle. The unit has to take a step forward and operate as an efficient and a consistent blocking source in both the running and passing games. It is still appropriate for Pat Meyer to be on the hot seat due to recent seasons' performances.

On the interior, Zach Frazier will be the team's starting center with Isaac Seumalo on his left and Mason McCormick on his right. When James Daniels suffered a season-ending injury early in 2024, McCormick was unexpectedly thrown into the fire, but he performed quite well. This is what earned him the right guard spot well before training camp began in 2025.

Depth may be an issue for the offensive line, however. This is a major concern if the coaching staff isn't confident in the guys working in behind the starters, as the big men up front are constantly rolled up on and experience injuries throughout any given season. The Steelers hinted that there are some worries, specifically on the interior, because they are hoping to host a veteran with 81 games of starting experience for a visit.

Dalton Risner was drafted in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos before then playing for the Minnesota Vikings for two seasons. He has the ability to mix in on both sides of the line, while also having experience playing center and right tackle in college at Kansas State. If a team is worried about depth of the offensive line, the number one thing to do is hunt someone with versatility. It appears General Manager Omar Khan is doing just that.

Spencer Anderson and Max Scharping are currently the two back-up guards, with Anderson being the more likely to be the first called upon. Needless to say, however, the Steelers' reported pursuit of Risner brings up a concerning realty that the front office and coaching staff see the unit as incomplete. Signing a veteran with the capability of playing pretty much anywhere on the line could solve a lot of worry inside Pittsburgh's building.

Meyer is certainly a coach that could lose his job after the 2025 campaign if his group doesn't step up immediately. The offense can't afford to have Aaron Rodgers taking several sacks each game. The running game also has to open up early on so that the play-action can be utilized throughout the entire season, so there is quite a bit of pressure on the line.

Signing Risner would ensure that a potential injury to one of the guards wouldn't be a total loss, but it's also possible that the Steelers are having some concerns about one of their respective abilities to stay healthy right now. Teams like Pittsburgh don't just randomly look to a sign a veteran that has started 81 games over a six-year span. While Andrus Peat may be impressing at the tackle position, it doesn't seems as if the coaching staff is too high on other depth pieces.

Steelers Can't Afford To Have Bad Offense In 2025

While Pittsburgh is expected to have a stout defense, the offensive unit is the one that will take the team where it wants to go. Points have come at a premium for the organization over the course of recent seasons, so there is no doubt that keeping Rodgers upright and having an efficient operation will put the franchise in the AFC playoff conversation. It's not a great sign that the front office is already showing its cards that there may be worries on the line.

Do you think that Risner is interested in joining the Steelers? Let us know in the comments below!

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