Steelers Named Best Landing Spot For Former Rival Offensive Lineman

The Pittsburgh Steelers have made it a point of emphasis throughout the team's history to be strong in the trenches. The organization has invested a ton in its offensive line over the years, especially as of late. The Black and Gold have spent three of their last four first-round picks on an offensive lineman. It's clear that the direction the franchise is going is one that is built on a young, solid, offensive line. Pittsburgh playing in the AFC North makes this a difference-maker, because, come winter, the Steelers can't be afraid to play some physical, run-heavy football. 

The Steelers' offensive line was a huge area of growth in 2025, with the young group starting to gel. Now, Pittsburgh has gotten even younger with its new draftees: first-round pick tackle Max Iheanachor and third-round guard Gennings Dunker. The group also has some veterans trying to get in the mix, too. The Steelers have a ton of depth at the offensive line, and they have used the team's Organized Team Activities (OTAs) to experiment with various combinations and positions. 

One of the biggest questions, though, is: who will be playing right guard? Pittsburgh has many candidates for the spot, including Dunker, veteran backup Spencer Anderson, and Brock Hoffman. But CBS Sports analyst Garrett Podell believes a veteran guard could make his way into the fold should the Steelers sign him. The free agent, Joel Bitonio, was labeled an ideal fit for the Steelers. 

"Bitonio could remain in the AFC North and pursue postseason football with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The interior of their offensive line needs an upgrade at right guard over 2023 seventh-round pick Spencer Anderson after Pro Bowler Isaac Seumalo departed to join the Arizona Cardinals in free agency, and Bitonio would certainly represent that. Blocking for four-time NFL MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers could be a lot of fun for Bitonio after years of blocking for a rotating cast of characters at the quarterback position in Cleveland," Podell wrote.

Bitonio is a familiar face, having been a longtime Cleveland Brown, and he could be a beneficial, cheap signing for Pittsburgh. He would add the most quality veteran experience. Though he's lost a step, he could be a nice plug-and-play option if the team is unsure about right guard. 

The 6'4", 320-pound Bitonio would bring a ton of experience to a line that lacks a veteran voice. Bitonio played 12 seasons with the Browns, was named to seven Pro Bowls, and was A First-Team All-Pro twice. He consistently was a dominant force on the inside and could continue that in the Steel City. He has proven to be dependable, consistently playing and starting almost every game over the last few years. He could be the veteran that the Steelers need to complete the offensive line. 

Steelers Do Need A Veteran Voice On The Offensive Line

The Steelers lost Isaac Seumalo in free agency. He was credited for helping the young offensive linemen grow, and even picked up some slack. However, with him out of the picture, Pittsburgh doesn't have that same voice and attitude in the locker room anymore. With how young these linemen are, they need a mentor. That's where Bitonio would come into play. 

Bitonio would come on the cheap and is a low-risk, high-reward type signing. It would only be a one-year deal, more than likely, and would allow the team's young guards, like Dunker, to get some reps before being thrown into the fire. While this line has a lot of pieces already, an established veteran, who has proven he could still play, might not be a bad idea. Time will tell what the Steelers decide to do, but some big decisions will have to be made regarding the offensive line. 

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