NFL free agency outlook: Steelers' options at tackle are costly, aging or both

Playing behind an offensive line that deployed a rookie at left tackle and a second-year starter on the right side, Ben Roethlisberger was sacked 38 times in his final NFL season — his highest total since 2013.

The next quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers — be it Mason Rudolph, Dwayne Haskins or a third candidate — will have more mobility than Roethlisberger did at age 39. Still, the Steelers would like to keep their starter upright more frequently. And they’d like to run the ball more effectively than in 2021 when they were No. 29 in rushing.

That could lead them to seeking an upgrade in free agency.

Dan Moore has 16 games of experience upon which to build. The issue is identifying the player who will start on the right side of the offensive line. Chuks Okorafor ended up starting there in 2020 after spending most of training camp on the left side. But Okorafor will hit unrestricted free agency unless the Steelers can entice him to stay before players can sign with other teams March 16.

The Steelers have Zach Banner as an option even though injuries prevented him from earning the right tackle spot last season. He appeared in seven games and played just five offensive snaps. His contract counts $6.625 million against the salary cap.

The Steelers are $29 million under the cap and could save $5 million more by releasing Banner. Either way, the Steelers have enough financial flexibility to pursue a veteran tackle once the 48-hour legal tampering begins Monday.

Before we delve into the open market, a look at what the organization already has on hand:

Steelers situation

On the roster: Dan Moore Jr., Zach Banner, Joe Haeg, John Leglue, Chaz Green: Haeg can play four offensive line spots, and Leglue is listed as a tackle even though his five starts last year were at left guard. Green spent last season on the practice squad and returned on a futures contract.

Unrestricted free agents: Chuks Okorafor: Pro Football Focus projects Okorafor getting a four-year, $40 million contract, with $23.5 million guaranteed, on the open market.

Exploring the market

Two tackles were given the franchise tag before they hit free agency. Kansas City tagged Orlando Brown Jr., and Jacksonville used the tag on Cam Robinson for the second time.

Terron Armstead, Saints: He is viewed as perhaps the top free agent at any position, which almost automatically puts him out of the Steelers’ price range. Armstead is coming off a five-year, $65 million deal with New Orleans and could approach $20 million per season on a new deal.

Duane Brown, Seahawks: Most teams don’t allow their young tackles to reach the open market, which is how a player such as the 37-year-old Brown becomes one of the top free agents. He is a 14-year vet who predominantly has played the left side in his career.

Trent Brown, Patriots: He is a versatile tackle who can play on either end of the line. Brown, though, has played a full season just twice in his seven NFL seasons, and he has been limited to 14 games over the past two years.

Morgan Moses, Jets: He spent last season in New York after seven seasons in Washington, where he developed into a dependable right tackle. He played for $3.6 million last season and could be an affordable option.

Eric Fisher, Colts: The Steelers in general and James Harrison in particular seemed to always have Fisher’s number during his eight years in Kansas City. He is back on the market after spending one year in Indianapolis and remains a dependable left tackle.

Others: Brandon Shell (Seahawks), Germaine Ifedi (Bears), Riley Reiff (Bengals), Bobby Massie (Broncos)