The Pittsburgh Steelers have been one of the most surprising teams in the NFL this season, as Mike Tomlin’s squad is 7-2 and atop the AFC North through ten weeks. The Steelers picked up an impressive come-from-behind victory over the Washington Commanders in Week 10 and will head back home to face off against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 11.
One of the primary reasons for Pittsburgh’s success in 2024 has been the improvements by the offense, especially the offensive line. The unit has been mediocre over the last few seasons but has done an adequate job protecting quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields and creating rushing lanes for running backs Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren.
Though the Steelers’ interior offensive line receives most of the praise, the group’s biggest breakout star is left tackle Dan Moore Jr. The 2021 fourth-round pick struggled in his first three seasons but has taken a massive leap in 2024 and is providing reliable play at one of the most consequential positions in football.
Moore has flourished under offensive line coach Pat Meyer this year, and The 33rd Team’s Marcus Mosher believes the emerging star will land a lucrative contract worth $17 million annually in free agency this offseason.
“Franchise left tackles don’t become available often in free agency. When they do, they go for a lot more than expected. While it might be a stretch to call Dan Moore a “franchise left tackle,” he’s developed into a solid player for Pittsburgh and will be rewarded handsomely.”
“There are three teams with more than $100 million in cap space this offseason, and all three could use offensive line help. Outside of Ronnie Stanley, Moore might be the best left tackle on the market, and his age (26) should allow him to receive a massive deal.”
Moore’s breakout 2024 campaign has been a welcoming sight for the Steelers, as the 26-year-old has allowed just two sacks and 15 quarterback pressures in 313 pass-blocking snaps and also boasts a 74.7 PFF Grade. Moore has played exactly 600 snaps through nine contests this season.
The former Texas A&M standout’s best attribute is his durability, as Moore has missed just two games in his career and has started every game he’s played in. Additionally, Moore played over 900 snaps in each of his first three seasons and logged over 1,000 snaps in 2021 and 2022.
Though Moore was just an average player up until this year, the veteran has taken his game to the next level in 2024 and is establishing himself as one of the best young tackles in football. Pittsburgh should look to re-sign Moore to a long-term deal this offseason, but if he hits free agency, the former Day 3 pick will have a competitive market.
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