PITTSBURGH, Pa. – The Pittsburgh Steelers face a critical gap at offensive guard following the 2025 NFL Draft, and a bold free-agent signing could solidify their line. Despite drafting versatile lineman Zach Frazier in 2024, the Steelers still lack a second starting-caliber guard to protect their quarterback. A veteran solution looms in Brandon Scherff, a five-time Pro Bowler and former $49 million All-Pro, per a pitch from Steelers Depot’s Alex Kozora.
Pittsburgh’s offensive line struggled in 2024, ranking 25th in pass-blocking efficiency (PFF), leaving Mason Rudolph and the passing game vulnerable. With James Daniels entrenched at right guard and Isaac Seumalo aging at left, the Steelers need a proven starter to elevate their run-heavy scheme under Arthur Smith.
Scherff, 33, is the ideal target. A 2015 first-round pick, he played every snap for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2024, allowing zero sacks and earning a 71.2 PFF grade. His 1,000-plus snaps in each of the last three seasons highlight his durability, a stark contrast to Pittsburgh’s injury-prone line (Steelers Depot).
The former All-Pro’s experience would stabilize left guard, where Nate Herbig and rookie Mason McCormick have yet to prove themselves as starters. Scherff’s run-blocking prowess—80.4 PFF grade in 2024—aligns perfectly with the Steelers’ reliance on running back Kaleb Johnson, who rushed for 1,537 yards at Iowa (The Athletic).
Spotrac projects Scherff’s market value at a one-year, $6.7 million deal, a bargain for Pittsburgh’s $32 million cap space. “Scherff’s a plug-and-play veteran,” Kozora wrote. “He’d give Rudolph the pocket he needs and open lanes for Johnson.” The signing would echo GM Omar Khan’s savvy moves, like landing Za’Darius Smith (Spotrac).
Protecting Rudolph, who posted a 68.4 PFF grade in 2024, is paramount for Pittsburgh’s playoff hopes. The Steelers’ pass protection faltered in key AFC North losses, costing them winnable games. Scherff’s addition could fortify the line against fierce rivals like Baltimore’s Derrick Henry (NFL.com).
While Scherff isn’t a long-term fix, his reliability offers a bridge to develop McCormick. At 33, questions linger about his desire to play, but a contender like Pittsburgh could entice him. X fans are buzzing, with one posting, “Scherff to Pittsburgh? Our O-line’s fixed!” (X).
As training camp nears, signing Scherff would signal the Steelers’ commitment to a Super Bowl push. With T.J. Watt and Joey Porter Jr. anchoring the defense, a bolstered offensive line led by a $49 million All-Pro could pave the way for Pittsburgh’s resurgence in 2025.
