Steelers' James Harrison Has Another Eye-Opening Message For Joe Burrow

While the Pittsburgh Steelers have been making big moves this offseason, so have the other AFC North teams. The Baltimore Ravens originally traded for Maxx Crosby, but backed out of the deal shortly after. However, they still ended up with superstar pass rusher Trey Hendrickson. The most recent move in the division was the Cincinnati Bengals trading the 10th overall pick for game-wrecking defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence. The Bengals had a severe lack of talent on the defensive side of the ball in 2025, which should change. A lot of their free agent signings this offseason have been on defense.

While the Bengals need a ton of help, their offense has major issues as well. The Bengals have boasted one of the NFL's worst offensive lines for years now. They have one of the best quarterbacks in football with Joe Burrow leading the team, but he hasn't been able to stay healthy because the team hasn't been able to protect him. Now that Cincy is trading the 10th overall pick, there will likely be little investment in the position group. They re-signed guard Dalton Risner, who had a solid outing in 2025, but that won't be enough. Burrow will likely have to deal with another season of running for his life. Hopefully, in 2026, he can stay off the injury report. 

Steelers legend James Harrison recently hosted an episode of his show, Deebo & Joe, with his co-host Joe Haden. The two talked about the Bengals' recent trade acquiring Lawrence, with Harrison believing the Bengals may have made a mistake. Harrison thinks giving up such high draft capital was perhaps a steep price tag. He even gave the team's quarterback a harsh message that could be very eye-opening. 

"Joe Burrow, if they really wanted to help you, they would have got you an offensive lineman to protect you," Harrison said.

Burrow’s love for football has been questioned in the past. He often looks disgruntled on the sideline during games. Despite this, the franchise refuses to invest in helping keep him upright. The investment in Lawrence is both a much-needed upgrade, but could be looked at as an overpay. He is 29, coming off a down season, but he had a historic campaign in 2024 before an injury. Only time will tell how well this investment pays off, considering the state of their offensive line. 

Overpay or not, this move spells bad news for the Steelers' offense, as they'll have to play Lawrence at least twice a season now. Unlike the Bengals of late, Pittsburgh makes big investments in its offensive line, and that could continue in the upcoming NFL Draft. The Black and Gold have shown heavy interest in two of the top offensive line prospects in this year's draft in Spencer Fano and Olaivavega Ioane. The Bengals' recent move gives the Steelers every reason to go offensive line with the 21st pick. 

Steelers Should Definitely Go Guard In The First Round

This offseason, the Steelers decided to let left guard Isaac Seumalo walk in free agency after playing three seasons with the team. Seumalo was solid but often injured, which is ultimately why the team let him walk. Left guard is now a major hole for the Steelers, and one they should look to fill in the first round of this draft. Ioane is the best option for the franchise; he is seen as the best offensive lineman in the entire draft. The only problem is his availability for the team to pick him. Other teams are also looking to upgrade their offensive lines. 

With the Bengals making huge upgrades to their defensive line this offseason, and quarterback seemingly out of sight this year for the Steelers, they should polish their offensive line

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