Steelers' Offensive Lineman Will Likely Play His Final Season With The Team

The Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive line has been a huge storyline as the team enters 2026 training camp. The front office has established a solid young group of linemen through investing in the draft and developing the talent. The unit saw flashes of improvement in 2025, especially in the interior with center Zach Frazier and guard Mason McCormick proving that they should be mainstays. However, with the loss of Pro Bowl left guard Isaac Seumalo, the coaching staff has hinted that they'll be shuffling things up front. 

McCormick will change from right guard to left guard in 2026, and right tackle Troy Fautanu will switch to left tackle as well. This will bring a new right guard and right tackle into the starting lineup. The Steelers have plenty of depth on the offensive line and have made that a point of emphasis throughout building up the roster. This level of depth and versatility has brought about some key position battles ahead of camp, and only time will tell who gets to start on the right side. 

As of now, the frontrunner for right tackle is Dylan Cook, who started in place of the injured Broderick Jones during the 2025 season. He shocked the world with how well he handled his role after being a practice squad player. Though right guard will be the real place to watch a battle for a starting spot, Cook's tremendous 2025 stint proved that he's worthy of becoming a starter. Despite this, Cook will be playing on the final year of his contract, and should he be even a reliable starter, he could fetch big money. Steelers insider Nick Farabaugh spoke on 93.7 The Fan recently and revealed this could be his final year in the Steel City. 

"I think Dylan Cook, we've seen that guy just get better every year; he is someone who could really make some money. I don't think the Steelers would sign him long-term. They have [Max] Iheanachor and Fautanu. Fautanu's gonna get paid next year. They have the built-in replacement with Iheanachor. It feels like Dylan Cook goes to free agency and makes some money. He deserves it," Farabaugh said. 

Cook started four games at left tackle, and even in that short period of time, he turned heads as mentioned. He played well against even the league's best edge rushers like Myles Garrett and held his own. However, the Steelers know that Broderick Jones will likely not be the same player again after his injury from last season.

Cook, a former college quarterback, spent most of his early career on the practice squad of the Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Injuries got him the starting role in 2025, and his play earned it. Cook should be in line to start, as stated before, and should he succeed, the contract he gets elsewhere could be pretty hefty -- considering recent deals for above-average tackles. A similar thing happened to former Steelers OT Dan Moore Jr., though Cook seemingly has a higher ceiling at this point. 

The Steelers Are Prepared For Anything On The Offensive Line

Pittsburgh's depth on the line has proven that they're all in when it comes to finding the perfect combination of players. Obviously, proven starters Frazier, McCormick, and Fautanu should eventually garner huge extension interest from the Steelers when the time comes, but when it comes to options at the other positions, the Steelers have several vets and rookies who could be ready at any point to make their mark. 

In case of injury or poor production, there will be plenty of choices to throw on the line to maintain solid production. The Steelers want to play physical football, and the construction of their offensive line is a reflection of that. 

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