The NFL is in the middle of a full-on veteran revival, and the Pittsburgh Steelers might be wise to join the party. Around the league, teams are turning to familiar faces with proven experience as they gear up for the playoff push.
Philip Rivers just signed to the Colts’ practice squad - yes, that Philip Rivers, who hasn’t thrown a pass in years and is now a grandfather. Jason Pierre-Paul is back with the Bucs.
The message is clear: when the postseason is on the line, experience matters.
For Pittsburgh, a team trying to keep pace in a crowded AFC race, adding a steady veteran presence in the trenches could be a difference-maker. And one name that fits the mold perfectly? Chris Hubbard.
Chris Hubbard Checks a Lot of Boxes for Pittsburgh
Hubbard’s story is classic NFL grit. An undrafted free agent back in 2014, he carved out a career the hard way - from practice squad hopeful to reliable swing lineman and eventually a starter.
He spent time as a starter in Cleveland before transitioning into a journeyman depth role. Now, at nearly 35 years old, he’s on the Lions’ practice squad, waiting for the right opportunity.
And with the Steelers’ offensive line battered and stretched thin, this could be it.
Let’s be real: Pittsburgh needs help. Badly.
Broderick Jones is done for the year, Andrus Peat left the last game with an injury, and even when healthy, Peat hasn’t looked like a long-term answer at tackle. Calvin Anderson hasn’t locked down a role despite multiple chances, and the team is now exploring options like Dylan Cook at left tackle.
There’s even talk of asking rookie Troy Fautanu to flip sides - a risky move this late in the season.
That’s where Hubbard’s value comes in. He’s not a flashy name, and he’s not going to come in and dominate.
But what he can do is stabilize things. He’s primarily a right tackle, but he’s also logged snaps at guard, and that kind of versatility is gold for a team in Pittsburgh’s situation.
Depth, Versatility, and Midseason Readiness
One of the biggest upsides to targeting Hubbard is that he’s already in football shape. Sitting on a practice squad means he’s been in the building, in meetings, and staying ready. That’s a huge plus for a team that might need him to step in on short notice.
He also brings something you can’t coach: experience. Hubbard has been through midseason transitions before.
He understands how to prepare, how to adjust to a new playbook quickly, and how to be a steadying presence in the locker room. That’s not something you get from a rookie or a late-round flyer.
And with Peat potentially shifting to cover holes elsewhere and Spencer Anderson still more of a developmental sixth lineman, Pittsburgh doesn’t have a true interior backup they can trust. Hubbard gives them that insurance. He’s not just a Band-Aid - he’s a patch that could hold up under pressure.
Not a Savior, But a Smart Addition
Let’s not pretend Hubbard’s going to come in and transform the Steelers’ offensive line. That’s not the expectation.
But what he can do is provide reliable depth at a time when every snap matters. He gives the coaching staff more flexibility, more options, and most importantly, more trust in the guys protecting the quarterback.
Around the league, we’re seeing teams lean on veterans who know how to handle the pressure of December football. The Steelers have already gone down that road this season - bringing in names like Aaron Rodgers to lead the offense, investing in Darius Slay, and later pivoting to Adam Thielen when Slay’s roster spot opened up. Adding Chris Hubbard would be a continuation of that same mindset: trust experience, especially when the margins are razor thin.
So while it might not be the splashiest move, a reunion with Hubbard makes a ton of sense. He knows the organization, he knows the position, and he knows how to contribute when it counts. And if the Steelers are serious about making a run, that’s exactly the kind of player they should be looking to bring back into the fold.