Developing offensive linemen has long been one of the Pittsburgh Steelers ' organizational strengths, and tackle Dylan Cook is hoping to become the latest success story.
While he may not receive the same attention as Pittsburgh's projected starters, Cook has quietly continued to develop since arriving in the NFL. Entering the 2026 season, the fourth-year offensive lineman will once again compete for a larger role as the Steelers continue building depth in the trenches.
For Cook, the opportunity has never come easy.
After going undrafted out of Montana in 2022, Cook signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before eventually landing in Pittsburgh. Since then, he has spent time learning the Steelers' offensive system on the practice squad while working to prove he belongs on an NFL roster.
The Steelers have consistently valued offensive line depth, understanding that injuries throughout a 17-game season often force backups into meaningful action. The opportunity arrived sooner than expected in 2025 for Cook. After starting left tackle Broderick Jones went down with an injury, Cook was called upon to step into the lineup. Rather than simply holding his own, he delivered several encouraging performances, showing he could be trusted against NFL competition and giving the Steelers confidence in their offensive line depth moving forward.
At 6-foot-6 with impressive athleticism for his size, Cook possesses the physical traits teams look for in a developmental tackle. His continued growth in pass protection and run blocking could determine whether he becomes a dependable depth option for Pittsburgh moving forward.
Cook's journey to the NFL has been anything but conventional.
Before becoming an offensive tackle, Cook played quarterback at Montana State–Northern before transferring to Montana , where he transitioned to the offensive line and developed into an NFL prospect. That background helped shape his athletic ability and footwork, traits that have continued to stand out as he has developed at one of football's most demanding positions.
Cook has also maintained the same mindset throughout his climb. Asked this offseason whether his approach had changed despite competing for a larger role, he made it clear the blueprint has remained the same.
"Not really. Not at all. Just get back to the drawing board, keep doing kind of what I've been doing, maybe fine-tuning things here and there, but in terms of the blueprint, it hasn't changed much," Cook said on the Steelers Afternoon Drive podcast.
Opportunity will ultimately determine how large Cook's role becomes.
Pittsburgh has invested heavily in rebuilding its offensive line over the last several seasons, creating fierce competition throughout the position room. But the Steelers have also shown they are willing to reward players who continue developing behind the scenes.
Whether Cook earns a roster spot as a reserve tackle or pushes for additional playing time, his steady development has kept him firmly in the conversation.
As the Steelers continue searching for dependable offensive line depth, Cook remains one of the more intriguing players working to earn a larger opportunity.
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Dylan Cook in a game against the Baltimore Ravens on Jan. 4, 2026 — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
76 • Dylan Cook , Offensive Tackle, Montana
6-foot-6, 305 pounds, 28 years old, 4th pro season
Acquired: Cook originally entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2022 after finishing his college career at Montana. He joined the Steelers the next season, where he has continued developing on the practice squad before being called to the active roster in 2025.
Last year: Cook appeared in a career-high five games, making four starts while filling in at both tackle spots. He played 291 offensive snaps and continued to establish himself as one of Pittsburgh's top reserve offensive linemen.
Pro career: Entering his fourth NFL season, Cook is competing for a larger role along Pittsburgh's offensive line. His versatility, athleticism and experience at both left and right tackle make him a valuable depth piece as the Steelers continue building one of the league's youngest offensive lines.
DYLAN COOK NFL CAREER STATS
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Dylan Cook in a game against the Baltimore Ravens on Dec. 7, 2025,. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
| Year |
Team |
GP |
GS |
Pos |
Snaps |
Sacks |
Pen |
PFF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 |
PIT |
5 |
4 |
LT |
291 |
1 |
1 |
76.0 |
DYLAN COOK COLLEGE CAREER
College: Cook began his collegiate career as a quarterback at Montana State–Northern as a quarterback before transferring to Montana, where he made the full-time transition to offensive tackle. Despite making the position switch late in his career, he developed into an NFL prospect thanks to his athleticism, size and movement skills, earning an opportunity with the Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 2023.
DYLAN COOK COLLEGE STATS
| Year |
College |
GP |
GS |
Pos |
Sack |
Pen |
Pass Yd/td |
Rush Yd/Td |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 |
Montana St-Northern |
8 |
0 |
QB |
NA |
NA |
181/2 |
177/3 |
| 2018 |
Montana |
0 |
0 |
OT |
NA |
NA |
NA |
NA |
| 2019 |
Montana |
13 |
11 |
OT |
NA |
NA |
NA |
NA |
| 2020 |
Montana |
2 |
2 |
OT |
NA |
NA |
NA |
NA |
| 2021 |
Montana |
11 |
11 |
OT |
NA |
NA |
NA |
NA |
DYLAN COOK PRE-DRAFT TESTING
40‑yard dash: 5.09 s- 10‑yard split: 1.89 s- 3‑cone drill:7.68 s- Vertical jump:31.0 inches- Broad jump:8'08"- Bench press : 20 reps
Height:6'6″ – Weight:308 lbs.- Arm length:33 1/2 in- Hand:9 3/8 in- Wingspan:6'9″ 5/8
SALARY CAP AND CONTRACT
Dylan Cook's current deal is a two-year, $2.04M contract with a $1.075M cap hit in 2026, giving him a solid base salary and no signing bonus.
ODDS AND ENDS
Cook originally played quarterback at an NAIA school before making the move to offensive tackle, a rare transition that helped develop the athleticism and footwork he relies on today. He began his college career at Montana State–Northern before transferring to Montana, where he refined his game at tackle and earned an NFL opportunity. After being cut from Tampa Bay in 2023, and subsequently signing to the Steelers in May 2023, Cook has spent his career on Pittsburgh's practice squad and is technically one of the longest tenured players on the offensive side of the ball.
MORE STEELERS ALL-90
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now : After Seizing His Chance, Dylan Cook Eyes Bigger Role with Steelers
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