The Steelers lost a lineman to retirement yesterday, and lost another to Seattle late Tuesday night but they weren't willing to let Matt Feiler have a chance to leave. Feiler stepped in and replaced Marcus Gilbert in 2017 at right tackle and never gave up the spot. The Steelers dealt Gilbert to Arizona last off-season and Feiler kept the starting position after battling with Zach Banner and Chuks Okorafor during training camp.
#Steelers giving starting T Matt Feiler a second-round tender as a restricted free agent
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 18, 2020
The Steelers gave Feiler a second round tender basically securing his services for 2020. A team would have to give the Steelers a second round draft choice this year if they were able to sign Feiler to a better contract.
The Steelers could be figuring to slide Feiler inside to guard to replace Ramon Foster. Feiler started against the Rams at guard and was able to shut down their high powered defensive front. That would leave the door open for Banner or Okorafor to grab the right tackle spot.
Mike Hilton also received a second round tender from the Steelers tonight. It will be the first significant raise in Hilton's career after coming in as an undrafted free agent.
Steelers’ CB Mike Hilton will receive a 2nd-round tender, per @RosenhausSports.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 18, 2020
Hilton was vocal about wanting a long term deal with the team last off-season but his request was ultimately denied. Hilton was an exclusive rights free agent last year and was forced to either take the exclusive rights tender or sit out.
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