Steelers Likely To Consider Controversial Move On The Offensive Line After Week 1 Performance

The Pittsburgh Steelers started the 2025 season off with a win on the road against the New York Jets. The defense struggled in the contest while the offense surprised some fans with how efficient it was as the unit was able to score 34 points in the victory. The running game leaves some more to be desired, but quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the passing game looked very promising as he threw for four touchdowns and did not turn the ball over. It was a good win, but there are some concerning elements to be taken from the game -- including the defense and the offensive line.

Rodgers is 41-years old to begin the 2025 season, and his mobility is obviously not what it once was. The offensive line is going to be an x-factor for Pittsburgh, and the group struggled in the first game of the year as Rodgers was sacked four times. The quarterback also faced serious pressure in other situations, but was able to make plays or throw the ball away. One of the big issues was Broderick Jones at left tackle as he was responsible for multiple sacks.

Team insider Ray Fittipaldo took questions from fans on Tuesday morning for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, and he was asked about what Pittsburgh's options are at left tackle outside of Jones, who he believes could be benched in the near future. 

"They have some options, but they really didn't explore them this summer," Fittipaldo wrote. "The best one might be moving Fautanu there, but I understand why they're hesitant to do that."

Jones had a rough first couple of seasons at right tackle, but there was some newfound optimism in the third-year player as he switched back to his natural position at left tackle. His play was concerning at times during training camp, and he did not play well at all in the first regular season game of the year. Fittipaldo believes he could be benched, and that moving right tackle Troy Fautanu to the left side of the offensive line is a possibility.

Fautanu was Pittsburgh's first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, and he was only able to play in one game during his rookie year before suffering a season-ending injury. The organization has a ton of hope in Fautanu as some believe he is the best lineman on the team already, but moving him over to left tackle would likely be frustrating for much of the fan base.

Pittsburgh continues to toy with its young offensive linemen. Jones played left tackle in college, but was forced to play right tackle during his first two years with the Steelers. His development has likely been hindered by how much flip-flopping he has been forced to do, and now the same thing might happen to Fautanu. He played left tackle in college, but was brought in to play right tackle for Pittsburgh, and now if Jones is benched, he could be moving back to the left side. It is an absolute mess at the tackle spots for the Steelers, and the franchise has no one to blame but itself.

Steelers Did Not Get A Good Insurance Policy For Broderick Jones

Any fan that has watched Steelers games over the last two seasons knew that Jones being good at left tackle was not a sure thing. In fact, it was probably more likely that he would play the way he did against the Jets rather than perform well at all. Despite that, the organization did not prioritize bringing in an experienced and quality left tackle to back him up. Pittsburgh has Calvin Anderson behind Jones who has played in 50 games throughout his career, but nothing really has said that he would be able to play any better than Jones.

Andrus Peat is another option who has played some left tackle in his career, but he has more experience at guard. Either of those players are options if Jones gets benched, but so is flip-flopping another first-rounder and possibly hindering his development.

Would you like to see Fautanu at left tackle? Let us know in the comments below!

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