Steelers: Potential reunion with Matt Feiler makes perfect sense
The 30-year old offensive lineman is a likely cap casualty this free agency.
Changing teams doesn't always work out for NFL players. It's one of the main risks clubs have to account for in free agency.
The Los Angeles Chargers experienced this after signing former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Matt Feiler back in 2021.
Through two years in L.A., Feiler hasn't quite lived up to the hype upon signing a three-year, $21 million contract to help fortify the Chargers' offensive line. A solid season in '21 led to an underwhelming campaign the following year. Pro Football Focus graded him out at 54.6 for the 2022 season, the eighth-lowest grade out of all qualifying starting guards.
The Chargers can release the 30-year old veteran this offseason and save $6.5 million in cap space. Coincidentally, the club is currently $6.9 million over the salary cap, and have recently made moves to get closer to compliance before the new league year starts next week.
Feiler could very well be out the door in SoCal, and a return to Pittsburgh makes a ton of sense. Mark Kaboly of The Athletic outlined a potential reunion for both parties if Feiler were to be available.
Feiler played four years with the Steelers before he out-priced himself in free agency in 2021 and went to the Chargers. After a down year and with the Chargers way over the cap, Feiler could be released. He worked his way from Pittsburgh’s practice squad to starting at tackle and then at guard. He can play all five offensive line positions, making him a valuable depth piece at worst. The Steelers are looking to get more consistent at left guard, and Feiler could push Kevin Dotson at a relatively good price.
An undrafted free agent out of Bloomsberg in 2014, Feiler became a great success story for the Steel Curtain. He started 40 games during a four-year stretch for Pittsburgh, primarily at left guard and right tackle. His familiarity with the franchise, and ability to play all over the line makes him an ideal target should the Chargers let him go.
2022 was indeed a down year for Feiler, but a return home could re-ignite his consistency and greatly the Steelers' o-line.
