Cowboys' Latest Move Could Help Steelers Land Perfect Offensive Solution In 2026 Free Agency

The Pittsburgh Steelers are in an entirely new situation now that Mike Tomlin has decided to step away from coaching. Stepping into the spotlight, Mike McCarthy now faces the tough task of turning this roster from a one-and-done postseason team back into Super Bowl contenders. The standard in the Steel City has always been Super Bowl trophies, but the Steelers haven’t even won a playoff game since the 2016 season, leaving many to question the direction of this storied organization. Now that McCarthy is in town, he’s working hard to steer the ship correctly and pick up right where the 2025 season left off.

No one knows what’s going to happen with Aaron Rodgers after his appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on Wednesday, but if the Steelers are going to bring him back at this stage in his career, depth and a stronger offensive line are absolutely pivotal. 

According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Dallas Cowboys are planning to not tender C/G Brock Hoffman as a restricted free agent, which would make him available on the open market if the Steelers act fast. The 26-year-old versatile guard and center also has a prior connection with McCarthy, making Steelers fans immediately connect the dots and speculate that Hoffman could be heading to Pittsburgh.

"Sources: Cowboys are not planning to tender C/G Brock Hoffman as an RFA, making him an unrestricted free agent. Hoffman started 14 games over the last two years, proving to be a valuable depth piece at C, LG and RG. Just 26 years old, he should have some real interest," Schultz said.

There is, of course, the concern that Isaac Seumalo could walk in free agency. If that happens, the Steelers could get a whole lot younger with Hoffman, a player already familiar with McCarthy’s system. 

Hoffman went undrafted in the 2022 NFL Draft, but he has since quietly carved out a role as a rotational piece on the Cowboys’ offensive line. He’s not a superstar, and his talent level isn’t quite on par with a seasoned veteran like Seumalo, but his youth and versatility make him an intriguing option for the Steelers. 

At just 26 years old, Hoffman could get a real boost returning to work with McCarthy and the new staff he’s built in Pittsburgh. There’s already a lot of high praise surrounding the offensive staff and the offensive line coaches, and seeing how this young group develops will be one of the most important storylines for the Steelers in 2026.

Adding Hoffman into the mix could give Pittsburgh flexibility and depth across multiple positions. He has experience at center, left guard, and right guard, and his familiarity with McCarthy’s system could make for a smoother transition than most free agents. While he isn’t expected to immediately replace a player like Seumalo, Hoffman’s presence could allow the Steelers to get younger along the line while still maintaining stability. 

Steelers Could Give Brock Hoffman A Serious Look

For General Manager Omar Khan and McCarthy, bringing in a player like Hoffman would be a low-risk, high-upside move that helps bolster the roster, develop the line, and prepare for whatever the Rodgers situation ultimately brings. 

If everything clicks, Hoffman could become a key rotational piece and a building block for Pittsburgh’s return to contention. It makes perfect sense for Khan and McCarthy to pursue him. He would come at a low cost, is already familiar with the system, and is eager to prove himself. Bringing him in would provide the Steelers with valuable depth and insurance, especially if Seumalo ends up leaving in 2026 free agency.

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