Pittsburgh’s offensive line just got called out as the 18th most talented unit in the entire NFL by expert Brandon Thorn, but here’s the kicker: they’re also the CHEAPEST in the league. Thorn, who literally wrote the book on offensive lines with his “2026 OL Almanac” on Trench Warfare Substack, dropped this bomb on August 28th, making it clear the Steelers are playing chess while others are playing checkers when it comes to contract value.
This O-Line Is So Cheap It’s Criminal
Thorn didn’t mince words, highlighting the Steelers and the Bengals (ranked 14th in talent) as the “top two value units” in the NFL. Why? Because both teams are built around a homegrown core, bringing continuity and, critically, affordable contracts. For Pittsburgh, it’s almost wild: every single starter, except for right tackle Dylan Cook, is still on their rookie deal. Cook’s barely making a dent at $1.075 million this year. Even future starters like Max Iheanachor and Gennings Dunker are locked into rookie contracts. It’s an insane financial play that gives them flexibility, but it comes with a massive “if.”
Rolling the Dice: The Big Risk, Big Reward Gamble
Here’s where the bargain gets interesting, and frankly, a little nerve-wracking. Thorn threw an asterisk on that “bargain” tag because of the unproven right side with Spencer Anderson and Iheanachor. Plus, two of their best guys, Troy Fautanu and Mason McCormick, are switching to the left side this year. That’s a huge adjustment! But Thorn did offer some comfort: Fautanu and McCormick both have college experience on the left, and Zach Frazier? Thorn calls him “a top-two center in the NFL.” So yeah, Pittsburgh is “playing a lottery ticket on the right side while banking on having a strong trio from left tackle to center.” This crew is the least experienced starting line in the league and the third youngest, but they’re also the fourth-most athletic when you look at their Relative Athletic Score. If Iheanachor hits, Thorn says that 18th talent rank “will clear 18th by season’s end.” Right now, they’re the second-best O-line in the AFC North, trailing the Bengals (14) but ahead of the Ravens (21) and Browns (31).
After a preseason that was largely disappointing, and all the chatter about how this group might struggle to gel in a new offense, the Steelers’ line has a huge shot to kick off their regular season right. They’ll face the Atlanta Falcons on September 13th in their season opener. That’s their chance to prove that this “lottery ticket” isn’t just cheap, but a winning bet.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Behind the Steel Curtain.
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