Free agent offensive tackle David Bakhtiari named as best remaining fit for Pittsburgh Steelers
Despite having needs at two positions on the offensive line, the Pittsburgh Steelers have been radio silent on that front to start the league year. And with holes at other positions, and a draft class rich in talent at WR and CB, Pittsburgh is setting themselves up for some very hard decisions come draft weekend. […]
Despite having needs at two positions on the offensive line, the Pittsburgh Steelers have been radio silent on that front to start the league year.
And with holes at other positions, and a draft class rich in talent at WR and CB, Pittsburgh is setting themselves up for some very hard decisions come draft weekend.
But if they follow the plan of Bill Barnwell from ESPN, a difficult choice gets that much easier:
Steelers named top spot for All-Pro free agent OT David Bakhtiari
In terms of starting left tackle opportunities, though, the Steelers seem like the obvious fit. Broderick Jones, a first-rounder in 2023, might not yet be seasoned enough to move to the left side, and while Dan Moore has improved at left tackle, the Steelers could stand to give him some competition. Russell Wilson and Justin Fields are going to need all the help they can get, and taking a shot on a potential franchise left tackle on a one-year deal with incentives is the sort of swing Pittsburgh should take given what it's saving on spending at quarterback. -Bill Barnwell, ESPN
Now I love this move and for multiple reasons. But before I state why, I want to state my only gripe.
Pittsburgh should sign Bakhtiari and start him. But not at left tackle, at right tackle.
While the risk is low even given his injury history, the upside of signing a Hall of fame Caliber offensive lineman who can teach and mentor Broderick Jones is invaluable.
But Jones needs to learn at his natural position, which is left, not right tackle.
And before you think that's a burden on Bakhtiari, this is a move that other HOF caliber tackles like Tyron Smith made as recently as last year in Dallas.
That worked well for him as he earned second-team All-Pro honors and played his healthiest season in the past five years.
Pittsburgh could find similar success with the addition of Bakhtiari.
Steelers scheduled to host 2024 NFL Draft prospect, Western Kentucky WR Malachi Corley
See why Pittsburgh’s draft strategy is suddenly coming to light.
