Steelers Get Exciting Update On Troy Fautanu's Development In 2025

Everyone knew that the Pittsburgh Steelers' offense would live and die by the offensive line play in 2025. With a 41-year-old quarterback that is not as mobile as he once was, combined with a run-heavy offense, this unit would have to gel for the team to have any sort of success. There have definitely been some growing pains, but for the most part, everyone at that position has grown well as a collective. Hopefully, trends keep pointing the right way as the season progresses and the games get significantly harder.

During his weekly Q&A chat, insider Ray Fittipaldo wanted to shout out one player in particular for his growth in his first full year as a starter: former first-round pick Troy Fautanu.

"The good news is Troy Fautanu is one of the top right tackles in the league," Fittipaldo said. "He's a pleasure to watch if you know offensive line play. His footwork is tremendous. His technique is tremendous. I still want to see him be more of a physical presence, but there is that well-circulated play from the Colts game when he leveled Buckner on that one play."

That is great news for the Steelers, especially with how much they were going to rely on him for the front side. After he was drafted in 2024, there were questions about if he would be better off moving over to guard and letting someone else handle his spot. So far, he is quietly proving all of those people wrong, and he is thriving at right tackle at this point. 

After one start, Fautanu suffered a massive knee injury in practice and had to miss the rest of the season in 2024. After what was essentially his redshirt season, the Steelers made no move or indication that he would not immediately be the starter. They put all their faith in him, and they have been rewarded with excellent play.

As Fittipaldo mentioned, Fautanu did go viral for a little bit. In Week 9 against the Indianapolis Colts, he got off of a double team to completely annihilate one of the best interior pass rushers in the NFL in DeForest Buckner. 

In that game, Fautanu allowed no sacks and no pressures against a high-quality defense. The game tape shows his great technique and his ability to communicate with Mason McCormick to pick up stunts and not get fooled by tricky calls on defense. As long as he keeps this up, it's safe to say that the Steelers have their right tackle set in stone for the next decade. That was a great selection in the first round.

Steelers Still Looking For Growth Opposite Of Fautanu

While Fautanu is thriving, there are still some growing pains with Broderick Jones. He has certainly improved, but he has not reached his ceiling yet. The best word to describe him is inconsistent. He had a great game against Myles Garrett back in Week 6, but he has not been able to replicate that performance in particular. He still has a long way to go before earning a new contract. 

Jones does seem to be a little too reliant on the Steelers' overpowered jumbo formation. There's nothing wrong with Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith scheming plays to help protect his weakness, but he will have to learn to do well on his own if he wants to stay in Pittsburgh beyond his fifth-year option. He still has potential, but he needs to realize it sooner rather than later.

What do you think about Fautanu's development so far? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.

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