Steelers Given A Productive Idea To Add This Free Agent Offensive Lineman

The Pittsburgh Steelers have followed a trend as of late, where ensuring the productivity of their trench players is of utmost importance. The Steelers have done this mostly through the NFL Draft, with their last four first-round picks being either an offensive or defensive lineman. With three of the four being on the offensive side of the ball, Pittsburgh has injected youth into its offensive line. Quality picks were made even in later rounds too, like starting center Zach Frazier and guard Mason McCormick. The Black and Gold are making sure their quarterbacks are well-protected, and the run game is sound. 

Along with the plethora of draft picks being made on the offensive line, the Steelers haven't been afraid to add some key veterans for depth. During the 2026 offseason, they signed versatile lineman Brock Hoffman to a one-year deal. The team values versatility, and he'll be a candidate for the starting right guard competition alongside another "positionless" player in Spencer Anderson. Pittsburgh has a ton of depth on its unit, but it won't mean they'll stop adding there -- especially with the uncertainty surrounding tackle Broderick Jones and his neck injury. 

Pittsburgh values its line with all of the additions made and the draft capital it took for the young group to improve and gel the way they have. However, former Steelers quarterback Charlie Batch believes that a free agent tackle could be added to the team, especially if there are any injuries throughout offseason activities. He shared who he thinks the team should sign on his podcast, The Snap Count.  Batch explained that having veterans during training camp is important, and with the Steelers valuing their offensive line so much, this name makes sense. 

"If injuries were to occur, I think the first name I would think about is Taylor Decker," Batch stated. "You always need a veteran that's gonna be able to [fill in when/where necessary]," Batch said.

Adding the 10-year tackle would make sense if the Black and Gold wanted an experienced talent to fill in as depth. With Jones potentially needing some more time to come back, the move would give the Steelers a much-needed stopgap player at the position. 

The 2016 first-round pick for the Detroit Lions has spent his entire career with the team. The 32-year-old had been a mainstay of their offensive line since his rookie season and has established himself as one of the keys to their group. He was a Pro Bowler in 2024 and still has a lot left to offer to teams looking for a starting-caliber tackle. However, if the Steelers could find a way to get him on a cheap contract, he would add a ton to the room. 

Pittsburgh lacks a veteran voice on its young line. That voice was lost after guard Isaac Seumalo left in free agency. Not only would Decker provide the depth, but he could be a great mentor for some of the ascending players on the roster.

The Steelers' Offensive Line Should Take A Big Step Forward In 2026

With yet another year of experience for guys like McCormick, Frazier, and Troy Fautanu, it was another year to gel last season. With all of the high draft capital spent on the group and their progress so far, the Steelers know that their line will just keep getting better. Frazier is already one of the best at his position, and McCormick and Fautanu are getting better and better as well. The group has shown they can be solid, and the next step is showing consistency.

Now, they'll have to keep their veteran quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, upright this season, to ensure he can get the ball out, especially with the declining mobility that a 42-year-old quarterback brings. They're trending upwards, and the investment has been working so far. Now, they'll have to continue to gel, as McCormick and Fautanu move to the left side. The future is bright for the unit. 

#SteelerNation