Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. (Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports)
The Pittsburgh Steelers have a relatively unproven offensive line. Signing five-time Pro Bowler Trai Turner could help in that regard.
Turner took a visit to Pittsburgh, which is one of the most offensive line-needy teams remaining in free agency. The 27-year-old made five straight Pro Bowls from 2015-19, but was cut by the Chargers last March after a trade from Carolina sent him to LA in the first place. He’s been trying to find a consistent home ever since.
The Steelers lost Maurkice Pouncey, Alejandro Villanueva and Matt Feiler this offseason. Pittsburgh, as currently constructed, will feature plenty of new starters up front in a year where protecting their aging quarterback is of paramount importance.
Kevin Doctson and David DeCastro currently man the guard positions, which Turner also employs. So, any move would result in a position change for one of the three, or a training camp battle.
Pittsburgh Steelers: More offensive line depth can’t be a bad thing
The Steelers offensive line has deteriorated in recent years, and 2021 doesn’t look promising unless this unit severely over-performs. Roethlisberger doesn’t have near the mobility he once did, meaning the Steelers could be stuck in a situation where their 39-year-old passer is getting sacked far too often.
Considering how fragile Ben is at this stage of his career, every hit is one too many. This explains why the Steelers offense last year was primarily screen passes and short crossing routes.
For Matt Canada’s systematic changes to actually take place, the offensive line must perform up to par. Adding a veteran like Turner can’t hurt in that matter.