When the Pittsburgh Steelers hired Assistant General Manager Andy Weidl, everyone assumed he would help the team build from the trenches up. He'd done that with the Philadelphia Eagles, and they have won two Super Bowls with his guidance. Since arriving in Pittsburgh, the Steelers have spent a lot of draft capital on their offensive line, including their last two first-round selections. Now it appears it is the defensive line's turn.
Their best defensive lineman is Cameron Heyward, who will turn 36 before the season begins. During the 2024 offseason, Heyward negotiated with the team for a contract extension. He clearly stated that he desired to be a "one-helmet player" and retire as a Steeler. While many fans and analysts doubted his ability to come back strong, Heyward showed them all. He was selected for his fourth Pro Bowl after putting up excellent numbers, including eight sacks and 20 quarterback hits. He was also named a 2024 AP First Team All-Pro.
Father Time will catch him at some point, and the Steelers must be ready. Some of the linemen they brought have not fully met expectations, such as Keeanu Benton, DeMarvin Leal, and Isaiahh Loudermilk. This has people speculating who they could acquire this offseason to help plug some holes. One of the names that comes up frequently is former Steelers defensive tackle Javon Hargrave. Mark Kaboly of The Pat McAfee Show told the hosts of The Fan Morning Show on 93.7 The Fan that there is someone he'd rather see come to Pittsburgh over Hargrave.
"You know who'd I'd like to have more than him," asked Kaboly. "Jonathan Allen. They're looking to trade him in Washington, and everything you hear about him, he's a great locker room guy, very smart, veteran, big, interior push guy. I don't think he would get paid that much, I think he was right around $12-$13 [million], I think that's what it is. If you could make a move for him where Washington's just trying to shed his salary. That's a guy I think would fit in, would be like that Larry Ogunjobi replacement while you do add defensive line. I think they need to add defensive line in free agency or trading."
Jonathan Allen was the 17th overall pick by the Washington Commanders (then Redskins) in 2017 after helping the University of Alabama win a National Championship. During his time in Washington, Allen has watched the Commanders flounder, face controversy, and even change ownership. He has played under numerous coaches, and there have been rumblings about him wanting a new opportunity. Now, his general manager has said they will give it to him as he enters the final year of his contract.
A two-time Pro Bowler, Allen was considered one of the best interior linemen in the league for years. However, he is now 30 and suffered a pectoral injury in Week 6 of the 2024 season that kept him out until Week 17. During his career, he's recorded 401 tackles, 60 for a loss, 118 quarterback hits, 42 sacks, five passes defended, two forced fumbles, and one interception.
Steelers' Keeanu Benton Needs To Step Up
Kaboly said they will have to attack the defensive line on multiple fronts. He expects them to sign or trade for a veteran like Allen and draft someone. He pointed out that fans are often adamant about what position they must get linemen, but it all depends on how this draft breaks.
While all that will be a factor, Benton still needs to step up in 2025. A second-round pick in 2023, he was expected to be the heir apparent to Heyward. He was applauded as a rookie for his raw talent, being called a "dawg" by Ike Taylor. Heyward even endorsed him, saying he could be as good as Hargrave. However, that just hasn't happened. As he enters his third season with the team, he must turn the corner in 2025. Benton told the media that he recognizes there is room to improve, giving himself a "C."
