The Steelers have worked to overhaul their offensive line over the past few years in hopes of restoring this group to its former glory, including by selecting Zach Frazier in the second round this year. Although he secured his starting spot this offseason, it was because Nate Herbig was out for the rest of the season due to injury.
Herbig wasn’t the long-term center, but he played well enough to potentially be the starting starter. Even if Frazier had won the job outright in Week 1, Herbig would have been a key backup inside linebacker and the primary backup at center.
Currently, the depth there is weak and the Steelers should scour the recent cuts for reinforcements at the backup position.
The Jaguars have decided to part ways with longtime center/interior lineman Tyler Shatley. Shatley was signed as an undrafted free agent and worked his way up the ranks, eventually doing enough to be a starter for a couple of seasons. Given his age, you wouldn’t want him in the starting lineup every game, but he can hold his own as a backup.
Shatley brings a lot of experience and a solid game. He’s not going to blow anyone away right now, but he can serve as a comfortable backup behind Frazier. While the guard depth is strong, Shatley can help there. That being said, he can serve as a veteran backup center. At worst, his game is better than that of the current roster’s Ryan McCollum.
Although Shatley is not as good as Herbig, you can’t be picky when selecting recently released players. Offensive line depth is rare in the NFL, and teams don’t part with good players easily. Shatley can be a good filler as a backup this season.
In the long run, the team needs to find someone who fits that reserve depth, but with the team in a tight spot in 2024, Shately seems like a gift for Pittsburgh’s reserve woes.
Next. 4 Steelers who secured a spot on the roster after the loss to the Lions. 4 Steelers who secured a spot on the roster after the loss to the Lions. dark
