Should the Steelers Pursue OT Mitchell Schwartz?

The Pittsburgh Steelers signed guard Trai Turner last month, but that does not mean their offensive line anxieties have been completely solved.

They still have questions at center and tackle, and the signing of another veteran free agent could address the uncertainty at the latter position.

Former Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Mitchell Schwartz is still available on the open market, and and a recent report by Arrowhead Pride detailed the fit. Schwartz could provide stability at the position with the unseasoned Chukwuma Okorafor on the left and the still-rehabbing Zach Banner manning the right.

With all signs pointing to the team recommitting to the run game in 2021, the Steelers need another reliable option up front if their initial plans do not work out. Adding Schwartz would also provide another reliable pass rusher to protect the aging, immobile Ben Roethlisberger. 

Of course, Schwartz comes with uncertainty of his own. Schwartz was released as a part of the Chiefs’ offensive line overhaul earlier this offseason. While he is still only 32, Schwartz missed ten games, including the Super Bowl, last season with a back injury. He underway surgery in late February to fix the ailment.

Originally selected in the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft, Schwartz played the first four years of his career with the Cleveland Browns. He signed with Kansas City in 2016, and helped the club win Super Bowl LIV. He also earned a First-Team All-Pro selection with the Chiefs in 2018.