The Pittsburgh Steelers have shown over the years as an organization that getting the offensive line figured out is a priority. That has been evident from the way the franchise has approached the NFL Draft. Three of the team's last four first-round picks have come at offensive tackle, and the Steelers also drafted center Zach Frazier in the second round back in 2024. The offensive line is beginning to come together, although the entire right side of the unit is up in the air. Rookie Max Iheanachor is competing for the job at right tackle, and he has gotten off to a strong start at training camp in Latrobe.
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Pittsburgh Steelers rookie Max Iheanachor puts his helmet on during mandatory minicamp in 2026.
Iheanachor was Pittsburgh's first-round pick in 2026, and he was initially seen as a very raw prospect as he did not start playing the sport until he arrived at a community college. He has the natural size and athleticism to be a good offensive tackle, and his technique has surprised some people at training camp. He is competing with Dylan Cook for the starting job, while Broderick Jones could also compete as he fights to get back into playing shape after dealing with a neck injury throughout the 2026 offseason.
It has been expected that Iheanachor would begin the regular season on the bench and maybe start eventually. Many thought he might initially get some reps as a swing tackle, but now there seems to be a real chance that he could be starting. Beat writer Ray Fittipaldo joined 93.7 The Fan on Wednesday morning and shared how impressed he has been with the rookie tackle.
"One of the most impressive offensive linemen, only reason I say one of is Zach Frazier looks awesome," Fittipaldo said. "Max is really pushing for a starting job if he keeps this up. If you just look at him in pass pro, Adam, strictly from an athleticism, footwork, handwork standpoint, it is elite. He looks like someone that has been playing in the NFL for five seasons now."
The Steelers first put the pads on Monday, and that is when it is easier to begin to evaluate offensive and defensive linemen. Iheanachor has impressed ever since, as he has been able to handle guys like TJ Watt on the edge. He could be a high-impact player immediately for Pittsburgh.
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Pittsburgh Steelers' first-round offensive tackle Max Iheanachor during rookie minicamp in 2026.
Iheanachor's quick emergence is not great news for Jones. It seems like his time with the Steelers is over, but that was already clear after the franchise spent another first round pick on an offensive tackle. He will probably hit free agency after the 2026 season has concluded. Fittipaldo was asked if he looks better than Jones ever has, and his answer was not good for Jones.
"It's only two practices, but yes," Fittipaldo said. "Let's see how that plays out."
This is unfortunate for Jones as he was beginning to play well in 2025 before injuring his neck and missing the rest of the season, but his time in Pittsburgh seems to be over. It is hard to imagine that he will be able to start over Cook or Iheanachor, so he will probably just be a depth piece in 2026 unless the Steelers find a way to trade him.
Steelers Have A Way To Increase Broderick Jones' Value
Since it is so clear that Jones is going to be gone from Pittsburgh after the 2026 season, the Steelers should look to deal him or find a way to increase his value throughout the season so that the team can benefit by receiving a compensatory pick if he signs a decent deal in free agency. The franchise can do this by making him the swing tackle, or finding other ways to get him some reps.
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