Steelers Exploring Trade With Broncos For An Offensive Lineman Would Fix A Big Hole

The Pittsburgh Steelers have addressed many of their positional weaknesses throughout the early stages of free agency so far. Omar Khan and his staff have been aggressive and have made moves to hopefully improve the team's lackluster offense from last season. Through all the additions, the Steelers have yet to address their glaring need at left guard, especially as their starter from last year, Isaac Seumalo, left in free agency. The 2026 NFL Draft will be a telling sign of how much the Steelers value their current guard situation, and if they'll use a top draft pick to acquire a young interior lineman. 

It's been speculated that the Steelers could use their first-round pick on a left guard, especially since the team already remedied the lack of a reliable number two receiver by acquiring Michael Pittman Jr. earlier this month. However, the Steelers have two veterans who could be plugged in on the line at the empty spot. These include versatile lineman Spencer Anderson, and recently signed Brock Hoffman. The two have not been full-time starters in their careers and have just racked up spot starts. It's unclear if the organization will start either of them, or if Anderson will remain the position-less extra lineman he is -- and Hoffman a quality depth player. 

If the Steelers don't feel confident in either of those options being their starting left guard, and they want to use top draft picks elsewhere, there is another possible scenario. Steelers beat reporter Christopher Carter spoke about the team potentially trading for guard help in a recent episode of the North Shore Drive podcast. 

"You know, there are some players out there whose contracts are running out. Maybe they'll want to consider them. Would you want to do that with, say, you know, Ben Powers from the Broncos, who's 31? He played left guard and, you know, he's, you know, he's a guy that maybe you could acquire because he's got void years coming up on his contract," Carter said.

The Steelers trading for a guard is definitely a possibility. The two aforementioned linemen are very versatile and can play multiple positions across the line. That type of versatility would still be helpful to the Black and Gold. If the team doesn't want a rookie starting right away, trading for a guard on an expiring deal wouldn't be a bad idea, however. Powers will be on the last year of his four-year, $52 million contract, and could be a trade target for Khan and the Steelers as Carter mentioned.

Powers has been a long-time NFL veteran and started all 17 games for the Baltimore Ravens in 2022, and for the Denver Broncos from 2023-2024. The Steelers have a great option there, and for the right price, could be the next starter on the offensive line. 

Since Powers is on an expiring deal, there is the option to extend him should he be traded, just like the team did with Pittman. Powers has proven he can be a starter in this league, and is only 29. This more obscure way of acquiring a starting lineman could be a quality option for the Steelers' front office. 

Steelers Need An Experienced Veteran Presence On The Offensive Line

After Seumalo's departure, the Steelers' line is now missing a true veteran presence. Anderson is still on a rookie deal, so Hoffman would be the likely fill-in veteran guard option currently on the team. The Steelers want their young line to keep improving and an experienced voice would be extremely valuable for that. Powers or another vet free agent would be able to bring the expertise necessary for this task.

If Pittsburgh decides to draft a guard, having a veteran mentor already in place would be important. Depending on how the Draft shakes out, fans will gain knowledge of the direction the Steelers are going with their line. 

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