The Pittsburgh Steelers' first big move on the offensive line was the re-signing of veteran tackle Chukwuma Okorafor. Okorafor is staying in Pittsburgh despite receiving interest from other clubs, according to NFL Network. ESPN says it's a three-year deal worth $29.25 million, including $20.5 million in the first two years.
One of Pittsburgh's two third-round picks in the 2018 NFL Draft (the other being quarterback Mason Rudolph), Okorafor started in 35 regular-season games and two playoff games during his first four seasons with the Steelers. He made 31 starts over the past two years while replacing Matt Feiler (who signed with the Chargers last offseason) and Zach Banner, who spent most of the 2021 season continuing to work his way back from a knee injury that he sustained in Week 1 of the 2020 season.
Along with Okorafor, the Steelers' starting offensive line included two rookies in left tackle Dan Moore Jr. and Kendrick Green, who was switched from center to guard late in the season. The starting lineup also consisted of right guard Trai Turner, who was signed late in the 2021 offseason following David DeCastro's abrupt retirement. Turner is slated to enter free agency on March 16.
The Steelers' offensive line was the center of intense criticism for much of the 2021 season. While they never developed into a top-tier unit, the line showed signs of growth as the season progressed. They made enough holes to help Najee Harris finish fourth in the NFL with 1,200 rushing yards. The unit did enough to keep Ben Roethlisberger relatively healthy for his final season, which included a surprise playoff berth after a 1-3 start.
Pittsburgh is expected to add more pieces to its offensive line -- during free agency as well as during the draft -- over the next two months. Bringing Okorafor back into the fold was the first step.