Steelers Now Have Chance To Sign Veteran Depth At Offensive Tackle

The Pittsburgh Steelers are always looking for depth pieces to add to the team. Even as they cut down their roster to 53 men with the rest of the league, they are still looking for players in the bargain bin that can come in and fill a role if needed. Even if they want someone else previously-released player on the practice squad, they are still hoping that those individuals can make an impact. Sometimes, there is a player that the team has been scouting for years, and Pittsburgh just waits for its chance to make a move for him. 

The Steelers may be looking at their division rivals right now. NFL Insider Adam Schefter noted that the Cleveland Browns recently announced a wave of cuts, and there may be some intrigue for the Steelers. Among the many players that Pittsburgh could be are interested in, one could help fit a quick need. 

With swing tackle Calvin Anderson dealing with injuries and the uncertainty at the starting position, the Steelers may be interested in offensive tackle Jackson Barton. The seventh-year veteran has bounced around the league all throughout his career, including a couple of multi-year stints with the Las Vegas Raiders and Arizona Cardinals. He is back on the market looking for a home, and Pittsburgh could be that place for him. 

Barton got a chance to start with the Cardinals in 2024, but injuries derailed his season. At first, it seemed like it would be a very productive year for him, as he did not commit a single penalty with all the snaps he took. 

He also has some special teams experience, which is always a big plus when Head Coach Mike Tomlin and General Manager Omar Khan are evaluating players. If Anderson is not ready for Week 1, he may give Barton a quick call, even if he is just on the practice squad with a chance to get elevated.

The Steelers likely would not let Barton start for them unless way too many things went wrong. He would just be a depth piece that can take some snaps in a pinch and hold his own. Even though that's not exactly the most glamourous role, it is still critical for a team that has dealt with all kinds of injuries to have as many able, capable bodies in the facility as possible. If he gets a few reps here and there and does well, it would be a successful signing. 

Steelers Have Interesting Offensive Tackle Situation

While young tackles Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu have looked great in preseason, that means nothing until they play in the regular season. Jones is fighting for a spot on the roster in 2026, and a strong performance will guarantee that. Meanwhile, Fautanu has one start under his belt due to a major injury that robbed him of his rookie season. The uncertainty at the position calls for more depth, and injury history does not help either. 

Andrus Peat was signed to help at offensive tackle as well, but you can never have too much depth. The 11th-year veteran is the perfect player to back up Jones and Fautanu, especially since his presence may have helped Jones get his act together and become the blindside blocker that he was originally drafted to be. 

As mentioned, Anderson has dealt with injuries, and Dylan Cook will almost certainly be cut with the chance to make it back to the practice squad. That means there is a spot or Barton to realistically have some sort of backup role on the team. The Steelers are likely doing their due diligence on him at least.

What do you think about Barton possibly being a Steeler? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.

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