The Pittsburgh Steelers are still awaiting a decision on who will start at quarterback for the team in 2025. The Steelers have made a contract offer to Aaron Rodgers, but the veteran quarterback is taking his time in choosing his next NFL destination.
If Rodgers decides to join Pittsburgh, he’ll have some added protection after the Steelers claimed offensive lineman Lecitus Smith off waivers on Monday, according to Tom Pelissero on X. The 26-year-old guard was waived by the New England Patriots last Friday.
Smith was drafted in the sixth round of the 2022 draft by the Arizona Cardinals. He appeared in 10 games for the Cardinals, starting twice, but played only 30 percent of the offensive snaps during his lone season in Arizona, according to Pro Football Reference.
The Steelers add depth to their offensive line
The versatile lineman was cut by the Cardinals after his rookie season and spent 2023 moving between the Houston Texans, Philadelphia Eagles, and Green Bay Packers. In 2024, the Patriots signed Smith from the Packers’ practice squad and used him at center. However, he played just five offensive snaps in eight games with New England, although he was involved in 14 percent of the Patriots’ special teams snaps.
Now, the Steelers have added Smith to their roster as a depth piece. Pittsburgh lost starting left tackle Dan Moore in free agency, with the Tennessee Titans signing him to a four-year, $82 million deal. The Steelers have not done much to improve their offensive line after giving up 49 sacks last season, and Moore’s departure has weakened the line further.
Smith is not a replacement for Moore, nor a flashy acquisition. However, he offers the team some versatility. Still, the Steelers will need to improve their protection, especially if they intend to start a 41-year-old quarterback in 2025. At this point, the draft seems like the best way to strengthen the offensive line.
Although the Steelers have been relatively quiet in free agency, seemingly in a wait-and-see mode with Rodgers and Russell Wilson still available, they did make a significant move this offseason.
The Steelers acquired DK Metcalf in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks and then signed the veteran wide receiver to a five-year, $150 million extension.
