"One Big Move Left": Steelers Planning To Finish Free Agency Off With A Bang

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had, arguably, one of the better stretches compared to other NFL teams since the legal tampering period kicked off on Monday afternoon. General Manager Omar Khan has found a way to solve the critical wide receiver two issue, while also adding a potential starting cornerback. On top of those two moves involving Michael Pittman Jr. and Jamel Dean, respectively, other reported transactions were made in order to bolster depth, as well as retain some role players that could have gone elsewhere if given the right offer.

The Steelers still have cap space to operate, and there will likely be more flexibility in the near future if certain individuals restructure contracts or potentially sign extensions, similarly to Cameron Heyward. Khan and co. have plenty of leeway to move forward, and that should excite fans, because the team might not be done making significant moves to better the roster.

Their quarterback questions seem as if they will continue to linger, but after the signing of Rico Dowdle, Pittsburgh once again will have a legitimate one-two punch in the backfield. One small piece to the puzzle that still has to be figured out is the starting left guard spot. As of now, Spencer Anderson would be in line to win that job; however, things can change abruptly.

Team insider and reporter Mark Kaboly joined Austin Bechtold on Wednesday evening during an appearance on 93.7 The Fan. The beat writer insinuated that the offense could be shaping up to be a ground-and-pound unit. The only thing that is missing is finding a starting left guard based on who is left in the free agency pool.

"I still think they'll bring in another guard, a starting-capable guard," Kaboly said.

Kaboly began to think out loud about what options could still be out there for the Steelers. He noted the recent New York Jets signing of Dylan Parham, which was reportedly a two-year contract worth up to $20 million.

"Parham just went for like $10 million a year. So, that's about that rate, that going rate for starting guards left in free agency, so if you get somebody like [Joel] Bitonio, [Wyatt] Teller, somebody like [that]."

Joel Bitonio and Wyatt Teller could end up getting looks by Pittsburgh's brass and, overall, Kaboly is under the impression that the Steelers still have one more sizable acquisition to see through.

"I think that's the next move. I think the next move — big move, I think they have one big move left in them, and then they're going to start, you know, backfilling with needs and depth."

Pittsburgh didn't act quickly enough to land someone like Alijah Vera-Tucker, but not every single offensive guard who will demand a generous contract has put pen to paper just yet. Fans in the Steel City should be paying close attention to this area in the coming hours and days.

Free agency has been a very fun time for Steelers fans ever since Khan was promoted to be the general manager. He is much more aggressive than his predecessor, and anything can happen at the drop of a hat. Guard seems to be the final absolute necessary addition, with safety being a close second. Pittsburgh is consistently looking to better its roster, and Kaboly is fully buying into the fact that one more splash is set to occur for the organization.

Steelers' 2026 Version Of A Two-Headed Monster Will Be Powerful

Dowdle and Jaylen Warren are going to run opposing defenders over once the regular season rolls around. The team had success with this approach in 2025, and if the franchise can land a legitimate starting left guard, the floodgates could end up being opened via the rushing attack. 

There remains money in the bank to be spent, which is why using a good chunk of it to finalize the interior offensive line would be a major boost for the unit overall.

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