The Steelers Should Steal This Free Agent Away From the Browns

The Pittsburgh Steelers head into the offseason with nearly $29.6 million in available cap space and a number of positions in need of upgrading. That includes up front on the offensive line. Pittsburgh gave up 38 sacks last season (No. 16 in NFL) and could lose starting guard Trai Turner to free agency.

Looking to replenish the protection by bringing in a big name or two might sound like the best strategy here, but the Steelers would be smart to search for low-cost players with upside. That is why they should steal offensive tackle Chris Hubbard away from their divisional rival Cleveland Browns.

Steelers Free Agency

Hubbard unfortunately suffered a triceps injury that cut his 2021 season short after just one game. However, he played in 25 games for the Browns from 2019-2020 and gave up just six sacks during that span. The 30-year-old's versatility along the line should make him stick out among OT options.

It's worth noting that Hubbard has a history in Pittsburgh, too. The veteran tackle joined the Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2014 and ended up playing for four years under head coach Mike Tomlin. Hubbard's efforts helped keep quarterback Ben Roethlisberger upright and healthy.

A reunion here makes sense, especially since the Steelers averaged the fifth-fewest yards per carry in the NFL last season (3.8). The team is in need of some run-blockers in order to get the best out of dynamic running back Najee Harris. Hubbard fits that mold and has the experience to start Week 1.

Pittsburgh may have to pay just a bit over market value given reports claim Cleveland is open to re-signing Hubbard. The deal would still not break the bank by any means, though. For now, the Steelers have odds set at +5500 to win Super Bowl 57, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

Larry Rupp is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Larry Rupp also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username phillyfan424. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.