Steelers Not Expected To Remove Dan Moore Jr. As Starter For Now Unless He's Traded

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a clear goal in mind ever since General Manager Omar Khan was promoted and his partner-in-crime Andy Weidl came to town. The duo has been set in building through the trenches, while bringing a ton of competition on the offensive line as well. That trend continued during the 2024 NFL Draft as the organization selected three offensive lineman with its five picks in the initial four rounds. The highlight of them all was University of Washington tackle Troy Fautanu. He has the versatility to basically play anywhere on the line, but the long-term solution is likely him to be at right tackle.

The selection probably left Dan Moore Jr. disappointed, but not surprised. He is entering the final year of his rookie contract and isn't expected to return to the Steelers in 2025. With that said, however, he seems to remain in line to start for Pittsburgh when the 2024 season kicks off. Second-round pick, Zach Frazier, should be a plug-and-play center. Moore, though, will probably get the nod on the line over Fautanu, leaving Broderick Jones on the right side for the time being.

Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette hosted his weekly chat on Wednesday and all but confirmed what people inside the building may be thinking regarding the offensive line. He was asked who the starting left and right tackles will be in 2024, and barring a trade, it won't be the rookie from Washington.

"Probably same as last year, at least to start the season. Unless they trade Dan Moore," Dulac wrote.

That may come as a surprise to some fans, but the Steelers have never been an organization that enjoys throwing rookies into the fire immediately. Frazier is in a unique situation where he could enter camp as the number one guy on the depth chart. Pittsburgh has plenty of depth at tackle, which could lead to a more development approach for Fautanu.

Dulac did give his readers some more insight on the prospect of Jones finally moving to the left side. While it may not be in the cards for Week 1, it is absolutely the coaching staff's plan. He wasn't shy in his confidence level regarding Frazier starting right away, either.

"They want to move Jones to left tackle whenever that is possible. And Frazier will start immediately. Once Jones goes to left, Fautanu will be the RT."

The insider was asked even another time about moving Jones to the left side now and allowing for Moore and Fautanu to battle it out on the right. Dulac wasn't so sure that any decision like that is incoming. 

"I don't know about NOW, but that's part of the plan," Dulac emphasized.

Moore doesn't get as much appreciation from fans as he probably should. He is replaceable, but has been a durable, and relatively reliable option for the Steelers since he was drafted in 2021. Starting him on the line to begin 2024 isn't necessarily the end of the world while Fautanu adjusts to the professional world.

The long-term goal is to have a line anchored by Jones and Fautanu on the outside and Frazier slapped in the middle. Don't forget about fourth-rounder Mason McCormick, who could also be a potential replacement for James Daniels after his contract expires following the 2024 campaign. There is no doubt the front office is passionate about solidifying the line.

Steelers Doing What They Can To Get Back To Ground-And-Pound Football

The two biggest winners of the draft were arguably Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. They could have holes to run through for the majority of games in the near future given the incredible revamp of the group up front. Once Fautanu and Frazier progress and are both starting simultaneously, the trio of Jones, Daniels and Isaac Seumalo could provide serious problems for defenses in 2024.

Are you surprised the Steelers aren't expected to start Fautanu right away?