Steelers considering extremely risky offensive approach for 2026 season

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a ton of change throughout the 2026 offseason thus far. Most of it has come with the new coaching staff as former head coach Mike Tomlin stepped down from his role following the end of the 2025 season. The franchise then went out and hired the long-time offensive-minded coach, Mike McCarthy. A new leader at the helm means a new outlook and vision for the team, which could be a good thing for the Steelers. There has also been some turnover on the roster, as the Steelers have made some decisions when it comes to releasing some players, making trades, and agreeing to terms with free agents.

So far, the Steelers have agreed to terms with some players like cornerback Asante Samuel Jr., running back Rico Dowdle, and cornerback Jamel Dean. The organization also agreed to trade terms with the Indianapolis Colts to acquire wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., who the team then extended. However, the Steelers have lost some guys as well. This includes starting left guard Isaac Seumalo, who agreed to a new deal with the Arizona Cardinals. 

This is now a hole on the roster, and insider Gerry Dulac was asked if Pittsburgh is okay starting Spencer Anderson at the left guard spot during his chat on Wednesday.

"Right now, they think so," Dulac wrote. "But I'm sure they will look into drafting one on the middle rounds."

The gap at left guard has been expected. It was sort of known that Seumalo would not be brought back on a new deal. He is older, and he has struggled with injuries over the last two years. Pittsburgh will look towards Anderson to fill the role, assuming the franchise does not make a major addition on the offensive line.

Anderson was Pittsburgh's seventh-round pick back in the 2023 NFL Draft, and he has been a pleasant surprise up until this point in his professional career. He has been a spot starter for Pittsburgh, and he has filled in at different positions when guys have gone down with injuries. He also played a pivotal role in Arthur Smith's offense as an extra offensive lineman. He certainly should get a chance to be the starter at left guard, but it would be wise for the Steelers to bring in some competition.

On Friday night, it was reported that the Steelers had agreed to terms with offensive lineman Brock Hoffman. He played for the Dallas Cowboys under McCarthy, and he has experience at both center and guard. 

Steelers have major questions on the left side of the offensive line

As of right now, Anderson would be starting at left guard, and Dylan Cook would likely be starting at left tackle if the 2026 season began tomorrow. Cook played great at left tackle for Pittsburgh at the end of the 2025 season, but the sample size is small. It is unknown whether or not Broderick Jones will be ready to play by the time the 2026 season begins, so the left tackle spot is questionable. Pittsburgh should look to bring in competition at both spots, and Dulac believes the middle rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft could be a place to start. 

The Steelers currently have three third-round picks, and those could be used to address the trenches.