The Pittsburgh Steelers solidified the offensive line in the 2023 offseason, particularly the interior. After signing Nate Herbig and Isaac Seumalo to multi-year deals though, the team did have a bit of a logjam on the interior. As a result, General Manager Omar Khan, traded away Kevin Dotson and Kendrick Green just ahead of roster cuts. Between the two of them, they started 41 games over the past two seasons for the Steelers.
While Khan maximized their value by getting draft compensation in return, that's a lot of experience and depth suddenly gone. The team's 53-man roster includes nine total offensive linemen, leaving room for four backups. Still, the interior is a spot that the Steelers could address and add another piece to. That's why Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report suggests that the team should pursue veteran offensive lineman, Gabe Jackson.
"Gabe Jackson could help provide more of that. The 32-year-old is getting up there in years, but he has started at least 15 games in each of the last three seasons. Last year, he allowed only two sacks for the Seattle Seahawks, per PFF. The Steelers have a young offensive line in general, so bringing in another veteran voice with a wealth of starting experience wouldn't be a bad move."
Ballentine pointed to the injury of Herbig in camp as to why the team should consider a move like this. The veteran seems to be fine from his shoulder issue, though, ahead of the season opener. Herbig will seemingly be the backup along all three interior spots, while rookie Spencer Anderson has the capability to play anywhere. With Dylan Cook and Broderick Jones locked in as the backup tackles (for now), it may be difficult to bring in a 10th offensive lineman.
It would likely mean cutting ties with Cook, but the team seems to like him. With Herbig and Anderson being able to play all over the interior, it makes this signing unlikely. On the flip side, Jackson would bring plenty of experience to the offensive line. In nine career seasons, he's started 130 games for the Las Vegas [Oakland] Raiders and Seahawks. Moreover, he's spent plenty of time at both left and right guard.
Do Steelers Need More Depth On Interior Of Offensive Line?
If there's one common theme that we've seen with the Steelers this offseason, it's been positional versatility. Plenty of the guys that they have signed/drafted offer versatility at multiple positions. While the veteran remains without a job, coming to Pittsburgh as a backup would be something he's never experienced. He's still started 31 games over the last two seasons with the Seahawks and probably feels like he can be a starter somewhere.
In a more realistic scenario, he would be a perfect insurance option if the Steelers suffered an injury on the interior. Jackson has shown some signs of wear and tear, as his performance has steadily declined the past three seasons. In 2022, Pro Football Focus ranked him just 60th out of 77 qualifying offensive guards with a career-worst 54.8 grade. Don't put it past Khan though, as we've seen that he remains aggressive at all times.
After trading away Dotson and Green recently, do you think the front office should sign/pursue one more offensive lineman? Do you think signing an interior guy like Jackson would be beneficial? What are your thoughts on the team's initial 53-man roster?
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