The Pittsburgh Steelers have invested a lot into strengthening their offensive line. That might not mean that they're done doing so just yet.
NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger has heard whispers. The Steelers could be considering focusing on the trenches once more in free agency.
"Their No. 1 pick last year was hurt all year, (offensive tackle Troy) Fautanu, he's coming back," Baldinger said recenlty on the In The Huddle Podcast with Jason La Confora and Carl Dukes. "They're probably gonna hit. I mean, I've talked to people in Pittsburgh. There's a certain free agent offensive lineman that's gonna be available out there that they have their eyes on."
Baldinger didn't specify what blocker he was referring to, though a guard would likely make the most sense. Steelers general manager Omar Khan said Tuesday that Broderick Jones is trending to be the team's left tackle. Fautanu would likely play opposite him. Pittsburgh likes what it has in center Zach Frazier , as well.
Kansas City guard Trey Smith is slated to hit the open market. He's ranked No. 2 on Pro Football Focus' free agent rankings list.
"Smith's 78.8 PFF overall grade in the regular season ranked 11th among all guards, and he will still be only 25 years old when free agency opens," PFF wrote. "That's a good combination for a big payday, given that multiple players at the position signed deals at or exceeding $20 million per year in 2024.
"The complicated element when projecting a contract for Smith is the reason he fell to the end of the sixth round in the 2021 NFL Draft: He was diagnosed with blood clots in his lungs. On the field, he is every bit of a prized free agent. Factoring in his health is the key question."
Other than Smtih, Indianapolis ' Will Fries , Chicago 's Teven Jenkins , Detroit 's Kevin Zeitler , and Philadelphia 's Mekhi Becton are all set to be free agents.
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