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Steelers Are One Move Away From Winning the NFL Offseason

By Scott Rogust

The Steelers could win the offseason by signing a player who was shockingly cut earlier this week.
The Steelers could win the offseason by signing a player who was shockingly cut earlier this week. / Kirk Irwin/Getty Images

In just one offseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers saw the AFC North drastically improve around them. The Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, and Cleveland Browns all improved via free agency and the trade market. The Steelers didn't have that luxury, as they were extremely limited in cap space, but they can still make an addition with some efficient cost-cutting measures.

Since Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert is hellbent on trotting out an aging Ben Roethlisberger under center, he would be wise to sign free agent offensive guard Larry Warford.

The New Orleans Saints shocked the world this past week by opting to release Warford from his contract, which effectively saved them nearly $8 million in cap space. Warford was named to the Pro Bowl in the past three seasons with the Saints, but his stint in the Big Easy was in flux after the team selected Michigan guard/center Cesar Ruiz with their first-round selection. Considering he was set to hit the open market in 2021, the Saints were wise to replace him, in case he were to walk regardless.

New Orleans' loss can now be Pittsburgh's gain.

Once the new league year began, the Steelers were hit hard on the offensive line. Tackle Ramon Foster retired and guard BJ Finney signed a two-year, $8 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks. Pittsburgh opted to replace Finney with ex-Kansas City Chief Stefan Wisniewski. But let's be real here, Wisniewski isn't in the same league as Warford.

Adding Warford would greatly benefit Pittsburgh's running game. Just look at how successful Alvin Kamara and Latavius Murray were this past season. He'd be a godsend not only for James Conner and Jaylen Samuels, but also for Roethlisberger.

If Colbert were to go through with this signing, the Steelers would have an offensive line consisting of Warford, Alejandro Villanueva, Maurkice Pouncey, David DeCastro, and Matt Feiler. Good luck to those AFC North defenses, because game days are going to be absolute hell against Pittsburgh.