The Pittsburgh Steelers have enjoyed a solid 2024 season, standing at 10-6 and securing a playoff spot in the AFC. However, the team has struggled recently, losing three consecutive games, including a defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas Day in Week 17. They will face the Cincinnati Bengals in the final game of the regular season in Week 18.
One of the key factors in the Steelers’ recent struggles has been the performance of left tackle Dan Moore Jr. While he started the season decently, Moore has allowed four sacks and 12 quarterback pressures over the past four games. His declining play has raised concerns, especially as the team heads into the playoffs.
Moore is set to become a free agent after the season, and it seems unlikely that he will return to Pittsburgh. The Steelers have already invested heavily in their offensive line, having spent consecutive first-round picks on tackles Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu. Jones was selected with the 14th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, while Fautanu was taken 20th overall in the 2024 draft.
Despite having two promising young tackles on the roster, some believe the Steelers should target veteran offensive tackle Cam Robinson in free agency for the 2025 season. Robinson, now with the Minnesota Vikings, was traded from the Jacksonville Jaguars in late October after the Vikings’ starting left tackle, Christian Darrisaw, was sidelined with a season-ending knee injury.
Robinson, 29, has been an effective pass protector throughout his career, but his performance has been somewhat overlooked since his move to Minnesota. In eight games with the Vikings, he has allowed two sacks and 20 quarterback pressures, bringing his season total to six sacks. Although his numbers aren’t perfect, his overall ability as a pass protector makes him a compelling option for the Steelers.
If Pittsburgh were to sign Robinson, it would likely signal a shift in the team’s offensive line strategy. Broderick Jones, who has struggled in his second season as the starting right tackle, has allowed ten sacks and 40 quarterback pressures in 2024. Despite a better performance in Week 17 against the Chiefs, Jones’ overall play has been disappointing, making a potential change at tackle more likely.
Signing Robinson could mean that Jones, the 23-year-old former first-round pick, would no longer be viewed as the long-term answer at right tackle. While Robinson is a solid starting tackle, such a move would indicate that the Steelers are ready to move on from Jones in favor of a more proven veteran.
While Cam Robinson could improve the Steelers’ offensive line, it would come at the cost of giving up on the future of Jones. The decision to pursue Robinson would be a significant one, as it would reflect the team’s shifting priorities for their offensive line and signal a potential change in the approach to developing young talent like Jones.
