The Pittsburgh Steelers have been making some strategic moves lately, focusing on strengthening their offensive and defensive lines. Under the guidance of Omar Khan, the team has consistently bolstered these areas with a mix of seasoned veterans and promising early draft picks. This renewed focus on the trenches has been a breath of fresh air for a line that once struggled with underwhelming players.
In recent drafts, the Steelers have invested heavily in their offensive line, using three first-round picks, along with selections in the second, third, and fourth rounds, to build a formidable front. But with these rookie contracts being relatively affordable, the Steelers have enjoyed a period of financial flexibility. However, that luxury is about to change as these players mature and their contracts come up for renewal.
The financial landscape for the Steelers' offensive line is poised for a significant shift. The team could soon find themselves shelling out around $70 million annually to retain their key linemen.
A few years ago, the Steelers made savvy draft choices by selecting Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier, and Mason McCormick with their first, second, and fourth-round picks, respectively. Each of these players has evolved into a dependable starter, with Fautanu, in particular, shining in his first fully healthy season last year. As he transitions back to the left side this year, expectations remain high for his performance.
The market for tackles is booming, and while the Steelers benefit from the fifth-year option on Fautanu, it's not exactly a bargain. His eventual long-term deal will likely be influenced by that option, positioning him for a contract in the $25-$30 million per year range, thanks to the premium on top tackles and the climbing salary cap.
Interestingly, Fautanu isn't the most urgent contract on the table. That distinction goes to Frazier, who is poised to be the first among the young linemen to secure a lucrative deal.
With the recent surge in center salaries, highlighted by Tyler Linderbaum's blockbuster contract, Frazier's market value has skyrocketed. He may not surpass Linderbaum's deal, but $20 million a year seems like a reasonable floor, especially if he continues to excel and earn accolades.
Then there's McCormick, who has thrived amid the recent surge in guard salaries. Although not considered an elite guard, even average starters are commanding $16-$18 million annually. This trend is unlikely to slow down anytime soon.
If the Steelers aim to keep this talented trio, they're looking at a hefty price tag. The combined contracts for Fautanu, Frazier, and McCormick could easily exceed $70 million per season. It's the price of success in developing top-tier talent, and the Steelers' investment in their offensive line is about to demand a significant financial commitment.
In Other News...
Steelers Rookie Is Suddenly Crashing A Roster Battle Nobody Saw Coming
A seventh-round pick usually arrives in Pittsburgh with a long road ahead, but Robert Spears-Jennings has made enough of an impression early to get his name into the conversation. After OTAs and minicamp, an insider from The Athletic pointed to the rookie safety as a player who showed promising traits and could push for a spot on the 53-man roster in the kind of role the Steelers always seem to value, contributing on special teams while providing depth on the back end.
Spears-Jennings comes to the NFL after four seasons at Oklahoma, where he built a reputation for production and consistency across 47 games. His path is still steep, as it is for most late-round defensive backs, but the early buzz is notable because it suggests the Steelers may already be seeing more than just a developmental project as training camp approaches. [Read more 🡒]
Steelers Fans Wont Love This Surprise Trade Buzz On Defense
The Steelers are still sorting out what their defense is supposed to look like under Patrick Graham, and that includes a secondary that has already seen its share of movement. Pittsburgh brought back Asante Samuel Jr. on a one-year deal after his spinal fusion surgery, then added Jamel Dean and Jaquan Brisker to a group that is trying to mesh new pieces with the teams familiar 3-4 leanings.
Now comes the kind of chatter fans usually do not love this time of year: a Sports Illustrated report casting Samuel Jr. as a possible trade candidate. It is only speculation, but it adds another layer to a defense that is already balancing health, depth and scheme changes, with any move depending on whether Pittsburgh thinks the back end is crowded enough to justify it. [Read more 🡒]
Steelers Are Already Zeroing In On A Future Defensive Anchor
The Steelers are already looking ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft as they start sorting through a middle linebacker class that could eventually shape the heart of their defense. Among the names on the radar are Auburns Xavier Atkins, Texas linebacker Biles, Indianas Rolijah Hardy and Notre Dames Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, a group that stands out for athleticism, versatility and the kind of range teams look for when theyre trying to find a long-term defensive centerpiece.
Biles is an especially interesting watch because he once played in Pittsburgh before transferring to Texas, and he arrives with a strong production track record that will keep evaluators paying attention. Hardy brings a different kind of profile, with impact plays that raise the question of how hell be deployed at the next level, while Viliamu-Asa already looks like the sort of bigger, sturdier presence that can hold up in the middle. For now, its just a scouting exercise, but it is a clear sign the Steelers are thinking about who might be next in line to anchor the defense. [Read more 🡒]