Steelers' Offensive Lineman Has Legitimate Capability Of Being "The Best" At His Position In 2026 And Beyond

The Pittsburgh Steelers have operated on a very simple philosophy in recent years: whoever dominates the trenches will win the game. Three of their last four first-round picks have been offensive linemen as other key selections were used to load up on big men on both sides of the ball. The future of the team is very uncertain, so being able to control the line of scrimmage on a regular basis will play a big part in bringing some level of certainty to Pittsburgh. That unit will be the catalyst for any level of success in Acrisure Stadium. 

As the young offensive linemen develop, one name is standing out. In his latest article, analyst Kevin Patra spoke about how one of these players could easily end up being the top player at his position.

"While there were plenty of options [for team MVP], I kept returning to [Zach] Frazier, who is on an upward trajectory," Patra said. "His mauling style meshes well with how the Steelers want to run the ball, and his pass protection is as efficient as it gets for young blockers. There is a real possibility that by year’s end, we’re discussing Frazier as the best center in the NFL."

Center Zach Frazier has been an absolute steal of a second-round pick, and he has proven that ever since his rookie season in 2024. He is usually talked about as a top-three center behind regular Pro Bowlers Creed Humphrey and Tyler Linderbaum, but if he can keep developing like he has been, he may be the one getting the most attention by everyone across the NFL. 

To get to that point, Frazier really has to develop mentally as a leader. Despite the fact that he is entering his third season, he is seen as the veteran of the offensive line room, since he has more starts out of any projected starter. He has to mature very quickly and make sure everyone on the line is on the exact same page on every down. If he can do that, he will be the best center in football. 

Luckily, Frazier does have experience working with the starting guards. Mason McCormick flipped sides, but he has proven to be incredibly smart as well, so he should be able to handle helping his center make calls from the left side. Meanwhile, Spencer Anderson is a versatile lineman that has had to play left guard a lot due to injuries at the position. He should be able to help make life easier on his young center from the right side. 

Steelers Could Be In For A Disaster With The Cap Space

If Patra's prediction comes anywhere close to being true, the Steelers are going to have to pay up big time. Linderbaum recently reset the center market with a deal worth $27 million per year, which is $9 million more than the next-highest-paid center: Humphrey. On top of that, Frazier will be negotiating a contract extension in the 2027 offseason, as that year will be the final season of his rookie contract.

If the Steelers don't give Frazier an extension early in the offseason, that number that he would want could rise. There's always a battle between players to be the highest-paid at that position, and draft classmate Graham Barton could end up negotiating his extension depending on what happens with his fifth-year option after the 2026 season. Either way, Pittsburgh needs to act quickly.

If Frazier is the next center to sign an extension and he's anywhere close to the best one, the Steelers will likely have to fork over $27.5 million-$28 million per year, and they won't be able to get away with only guaranteeing his first year's salary. Even if he is the second- or third-best center, it's not like keeping him around will be cheap. It will cost a fortune, but it will be needed for the state of the offensive line.

What do you think about Frazier possibly being the best center in the NFL? Let us know on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.

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