Grading the signing: Steelers quietly solve their biggest remaining weakness with an under-the-radar addition on offense
The Steelers may have just found their latest starter in an under-the-radar addition.
The Pittsburgh Steelers had one of the most active and, honestly, fruitful free agency periods in the entire NFL. Solving major holes like WR with Michael Pittman and CB with Jamel Dean, the Steelers even replaced Kenny Gainwell with Rico Dowdle and added a hometown hero via Jaquan Brisker.
But nearly two weeks had passed, and the Steelers didn’t have an obvious addition to offset the loss of former starting left guard Isaac Seumalo. Well, that may have changed.
Steelers signing IOL Brock Hoffman to one year contract
“The Steelers have signed C/G Brock Hoffman (6-4, 302) to a 1-year deal to strengthen their depth in the interior of the offensive line. The 26-year-old played 4 seasons with the Cowboys. He went undrafted in 2022 out of Virginia Tech, but was an UDFA of Cleveland that year. He was added to the Dallas practice squad late in 2022 by now Steelers coach Mike McCarthy.” – Mark Kaboly, The Pat McAfee Show (via X-Twitter)
Hoffman won’t immediately be granted the starting spot, as backup guard Spencer Anderson filled in nicely for Seumalo at times last year, but I like what he brings to that line. His familiarity with Dowdle and McCarthy make him an obvious fit, but what else does he bring to Pittsburgh? I asked Mauricio Rodríguez of A to Z Sports Dallas.
What are the Steelers getting from Brock Hoffman?
“Brock Hoffman may be one of the most underrated free agents of this year’s cycle, and I’m shocked the Dallas Cowboys didn’t use a tender to keep him around. The Steelers are getting a starting-caliber center and guard.”
“Hoffman is a tone-setter in the trenches with his nasty and intense play style, which can often get him into trouble with a late hit here and there. But that nature is his calling card. The Cowboys were so high on him last year that before drafting Tyler Booker in the first round, Hoffman was in line to replace Zack Martin at right guard.”
He will make any coach who prioritizes physicality very happy.” – Rodriguez
Final Grade: B
I truly believe that Hoffman could be the Steelers’ starting left guard in 2026. If that’s the case, signing him to such a small deal for a player with his upside is a major win for Pittsburgh. As much as I would like to see a player like Vega Ioane in Pittsburgh, the Steelers have more pressing needs in round one of the NFL Draft. This addition allows the Steelers to address them with confidence in the left guard spot.
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