The Pittsburgh Steelers managed to agree to terms on a one-year, $2.5 million deal with veteran 26-year-old swing tackle Brock Hoffman. There hasn't been a ton of fanfare regarding the pickup, largely because this young offensive line is still growing together with plenty of uncertainties and excitement. As a result, not many people truly know that much about Hoffman.
Dallas Cowboys Team Website
Former Cowboys offensive guard Brock Hoffman looks on before a game as his team gets ready to compete during the 2025 NFL season.
Well, Steelers insider Nick Farabaugh believes that shouldn't be the case. He believes Hoffman may be one of the sneakier offseason pickups for Pittsburgh. Hoffman will be fighting for a spot on the offensive line during training camp, and even if he doesn't become a starter, he's going to have an amazing opportunity to be a rotational and impactful depth piece in 2026.
The move is also exciting because it gives Mike McCarthy one of his former offensive linemen that he started developing back in 2022 when Hoffman was on the practice squad with the Dallas Cowboys. Farabaugh explained why Steeler Nation needs to stop sleeping on Hoffman.
"I am going to pick one guy who's kind of young still and was a free agent signing, but I think he's someone you can look at," Farabaugh said while speaking with Chris Carter. "It's Brock Hoffman. He's still pretty young, and he has the potential to be a lot more than a lot of people think. One, I think he's a phenomenal interior swingman. So he can play center, he can play both guard spots."
While Hoffman isn't currently set to be a starter, he's right in the middle of the battle for the vacant right guard spot. His versatility will likely give him a path to meaningful reps at several moments during the 2026 season.
Andrew Dieb / Imagn Images
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Brock Hoffman celebrates during his time with the Dallas Cowboys.
Hearing Farabaugh speak so highly of him is an exciting thing for Steelers fans.
"There's also just a nastiness to him," Farabaugh explained. "He's got these physical limitations with his arm length, but he's so strong with his anchor, it's hard to move him off the spot. He's a little bit insane, and I mean that in a good way. He just finishes through the whistle. He's very smart. There's just a lot to like about him."
The thing going well for Hoffman is that he has the most experience among the guys he's battling for the job.
Steelers Love That Brock Hoffman Has A Chip On His Shoulder
Hoffman's versatility will also help him find ways onto the field, and the fact that he's not a guaranteed starter bodes even better for McCarthy and offensive line coach James Campen.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
New Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line coach James Campen works with players during a 2026 offseason practice.
They love the fact that he's coming to the Steel City with a chip on his shoulder, fighting for his spot, and have full confidence he will be a better player because of it. The depth he adds to this group can't be understated, and it will be a major help in keeping Aaron Rodgers protected during the 2026 season, whether Hoffman starts or sees rotational opportunities.
Rodgers is 42 years old and will turn 43 during the 2026 season. It'll be increasingly pivotal for this offensive line to not just take another step forward but turn into a real strength for Rodgers and Pittsburgh in 2026. Keeping him upright will determine this team's ceiling. If they can do that, then watch out, and Hoffman hopes to play a big factor in making that happen.
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