Steelers 2020 Free Agent Market Watch: The Offensive Tackles the Steelers Can’t Afford

Disclaimer: The author realizes that the team is burning in Salary Cap Hell and can’t pony up much money for free agents. However, you never know what they have planned and it’s the author’s responsibility to highlight the free agent options. It’s like the lyrics in the Clash classic, Should I Stay or Should I Go?...”This indecision’s bugging me, If you don’t want me, set me free. Exactly whom I’m supposed to be, you know which clothes even fit me? Come on and let me know, should I cool it or should I blow?” Well, kind of. But maybe not.

The Steelers are getting long in the tooth on the offensive line and eventually need to get younger. With Matt Feiler and Zach Banner both free agents of some kind, the Steelers need to possibly retain at least one and definitely address the position in the draft? If they do find salary cap room to add, here is the list of available free agents should a Steel City Money Miracle occur.

ONCE AGAIN. THE AUTHOR REALIZES THAT THE STEELERS DO NOT HAVE THE FUNDS FOR MANY OF THESE PLAYERS. HOWEVER, THIS IS THE LIST OF WHO IS AVAILABLE TO THE ENTIRE LEAGUE AND THE STEELERS. YOU CAN CRITICIZE THE IDIOT AUTHOR IN FACEBOOK OR BLEACHER REPORT COMMENTS FOR WASTING YOUR TIME AND NOT KNOWING ANYTHING AT ALL, AGAIN AND AGAIN. HOWEVER, THESE WILL CONTINUE TO APPEAR.

Here is the list of free agents at the position should the Steelers or the competition be shopping. One more time, the author is aware that Steelers have little room under the cap. But if you read the entire article, you’ll be able to amaze your friends, family, coworkers and people in line at the bank or supermarket with your vast knowledge of NFL Free Agents.

Anthony Castonzo - Indianapolis Colts

Age 31, 6’7”/305 lbs.

Stats: Games - 16, Offensive Snaps Played - 1076, Sacks Allowed - 3, Penalties - 2

No. 7 PFF Position Ranking

Overall Grade: 81.3 (High Quality), Pass Blocking 84.4 (High Quality), Run Blocking 70.2 (Above Average)

Underrated and very valuable, Castonzo been a good blindside protector for a long time in the league. Even with age being a factor, the Colt LT has played at a level that warrants another good pay day.

Jack Conklin - Tennessee Titans

Age 25, 6’6”/308 lbs.

Stats: Games - 16, Offensive Snaps Played - 933, Sacks Allowed - 4, Penalties - 7

No. 10 PFF Position Ranking

Overall Grade: 78.0 (High Quality), Pass Blocking 72.4 (Above Average), Run Blocking 80.5 (High Quality)

Conklin is one of the reasons for the running success of Tennessee the past few seasons and also during that exciting playoff run this year. After injuries plagued the RT in a tumultuous 2018, Conklin bounced back and established himself as one of the finest run blockers in the game.

Brian Bulaga - Green Bay Packers

Age 30, 6’5”/314 lbs.

Stats: Games - 16, Offensive Snaps Played - 898, Sacks Allowed - 4, Penalties - 6

No. 15 PFF Position Ranking

Overall Grade: 77.9 (High Quality), Pass Blocking 73.1 (Above Average), Run Blocking, 80.1 (High Quality)

Bulaga has enjoyed a fantastic run since his 2010 first-round selection to Green Bay. However injuries have been a problem. A healthy Bulaga could be a fine addition to teams with the means.

Jason Peters - Philadelphia Eagles

Age 38, 6’4”/328 lbs.

Stats: Games - 13, Offensive Snaps Played - 872, Sacks Allowed - 3, Penalties - 10

No. 6 PFF Position Ranking

Overall Grade: 81.8 (High Quality), Pass Blocking 87.3 (Elite), Run Blocking 71.3 (Above Average)

The 9x Pro Bowler is still a top player at 38. He’s not going to break the bank, but still should get a nice deal. He’s a great option for a contender needing to fill that part of the puzzle. Another nice contract for shorter terms is in the cards for Peters.

Matt Feiler - Pittsburgh Steelers

Age 27, 6’6”/330 lbs.

Stats: Games - 16, Offensive Snaps Played - 995, Sacks Allowed - 4, Penalties - 3

No. 20 PFF Position Ranking

Overall Grade: 75.2 (High Quality), Pass Blocking 80.7 (High Quality), Run Blocking 64.9 (Average)

Feiler had a very solid season starting at RT for the Steelers. He’s a Restricted Free Agent and should probably warrant a second round tender. It will be interesting to see which direction other teams steer this situation and where the Steelers steer it first.

Other Notable Free Agent Offensive Tackles

Zach Banner - Pittsburgh Steelers (RFA)

Marcus Gilbert - Arizona Cardinals

Halapoulivaati Vaitai - Philadelphia

Daryl Williams - Carolina Panthers

Kelvin Beachum - New York Jets

Andrew Whitworth - Los Angeles Rams