Key positional need eyes Steelers as free agency destination
Pittsburgh’s culture may win over big name free agent.
When you think of offensive philosophy in Pittsburgh what's the first thing that comes to mind?
Sights of "Big Ben's" tenure may flash your memory or the famous Lynn Swann catch, but the run game is where the Steelers have made their bones.
Despite having an offensive line that played together for the majority of the season, Pittsburgh finished 16th in rushing yards per game last season, with most of those yards occurring in the final quarter of the season.
Prior to that point, the Steelers finished 30th in 2021, averaging a measly 91 yards per game. So while the train is headed in the right direction, why not keep the momentum going?
That's where Taylor Lewan fits in.
Lewan was recently released by Tennessee as he rehabs from an ACL injury. He joined Rich Eisen and Daniel Jeremiah on Sunday of the NFL Combine where he discussed his current status and future plans.
"It’s all about getting the knee healthy", said Lewan. "If I can get my knee healthy and truly believe I can contribute to a team and help them take the next step they need, I will absolutely play football, but it’s all about getting the knee healthy."
One of the best tackles in the league from 2016-2019, the past few seasons have plagued Lewan with injury, but his dominance has yet to fall off.
Slated to be 32 by the time next season starts, Lewan is still in the prime of his career. Lineman (tackles in particular) tend to reach their physical peak later than skill positions.
Widely regarded as the best two tackles in the league, Trent Williams (34) and Lane Johnson (32) are coming off career years, while helping lead their teams to conference championships and beyond.
While it's unknown if Pittsburgh has done its research on Lewan, he is certainly well-versed in all things Steelers.
When broached with the subject of free-agent destinations, Lewan pulled no punches when talking about Pittsburgh.
"Mike Tomlin though, that city, those colors, how they transition between quarters, I’m a big fan of the steelers and big fan of that head coach", said Lewan.
While there is certainly a checkered past between him and star player T.J. Watt, it's nothing the two can mend fences over, with Lewan saying they hope to have Watt as a guest on his famous "Bussin' With the Boys" podcast.
Hopefully, Watt and Lewan hug it out on the podcast sometime this spring, foreshadowing post-game celebrations in the fall.
Featured image via © Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
