As critical as I’ve been about the Steelers’ team building over the past several months, years and decades, I can appreciate how they have approached this offseason. The team is building solid depth at weaker positions to have more freedom come draft time. Does that mean they should punt on a receiver or cornerback because of their moves for Jamel Dean and Michael Pittman Jr.? Absolutely not, but it gives them more flexibility should someone fall into their laps.

Still, with all of their pick-ups, the team has some black eyes on the roster sheet. Spots where they can improve ahead of draft day. Let’s look at three spots in particular that I expect the team to be active in improving over the next few days.

SWING TACKLE

Starting a bit boring, but if these past years have shown us anything, tackle depth is important. Troy Fautanu and Broderick Jones have both suffered season-ending injuries over the last two seasons, with Jones’s 2026 prospects looking murky at best. Without knowing if the team will spend high draft capital at the spot, we’re currently assuming that Dylan Cook will likely be the starter on the left side.

While he performed admirably in his limited starts, grading out at a 76 per PFF metrics, there isn’t much after him on the roster. Adding in the previously mentioned injury history of Fautanu, the team should look to add a swing tackle on the market.

Admittedly, the market isn’t ripe with options who have experience on both sides, but there are some options. Spencer Burford comes to mind. He’s played all over the line from right to left, and has been at least serviceable on the edge. Thayer Munford Jr. is a name too with some experience at both tackle spots. He recently had surgery to address a knee injury he suffered during the season. If no one is added, Spencer Anderson might have another season playing all over the line.

GUARD

Speaking of Spencer Anderson, it seems like the team has a lot of faith in him going into the 2026 NFL season. After letting Isaac Seumalo walk in free agency for a matchable contract, the Steelers seem comfortable rolling him out as a starter.

As an optimist, I’m interested to see what Anderson has in a full season at just one spot. As a realist, I’m dubious that he can succeed on the left side of the line next to another low-experienced guy in Cook. At the very least, bringing in a veteran to compete with Anderson should be at the top of the priority list.

Heading into week two of free agency, the list of candidates is slim but has some value. Older guys with AFC North experience, like Wyatt Teller and Joel Bitonio, are available. As is my old friend James Daniels. Maybe the team, which is trying to become more physical, looks at Mekhi Becton, who had a tough run with the Chargers but was among the top guards in the league with the Eagles just two years ago.

Another Panther I’d have my eye on is Brady Christensen. Just a solid player who comes with five years of NFL experience and time spent with offensive line coach James Campen.

If #Steelers add a veteran guard, two names to think about.

Brady Christensen/Panthers
Dillon Radunz/Saints

Both have connections to Pittsburgh’s new OL coaches. Campen with Christensen, Evans with Radunz. https://t.co/mtJx3SZWyz

— Alex Kozora (@Alex_Kozora) March 10, 2026

QUARTERBACK

Saving the best for last, who is going to be the Steelers quarterback for the 2026 season? Bueller…Bueller… Bueller? No answer yet from the front office, but they look to be signing up for another season of Aaron Rodgers.

Bold strategy based on how last year went, but if they are actually trying to compete, he might be the best option. The list of free agents at quarterback is fit for the island of misfit toys, with Kirk Cousins, Russell Wilson and Joe Flacco among the best options. The trade market could be interesting, depending on what happens with Anthony Richardson and Mac Jones. But I wouldn’t hold my breath.

Right now, the team only has two quarterbacks on the roster, with Mason Rudolph and Will Howard. The NFL draft isn’t exactly ripe with talent at the position either, making it more likely the pick from the crop already listed. Smart money says another season with Rodgers is on the horizon.