The Pittsburgh Steelers started free agency with a bang, remained quiet for several days, and then re-entered the market to strengthen their interior offensive line. First they re-signed back-up center Ryan McCollum, and then signed free agent center/guard Brock Hoffman from the Dallas Cowboys.
- In doing so, Omar Khan is taking steps to shore up depth at both center and guard.
Ryan McCollum arrived in Pittsburgh in the 2022 season after playing with the Lions in 2021. McCollum spent the entire 2022 and 2023 seasons on the Steelers practice squad before making the final roster in 2024.
Ryan McCollum starting in place of Zach Fraizer. Photo Credit: Kylee Surike, via PennLive.com
In 2024 and started 2 games for injured Zach Frazier and appeared in all 17 games in 2025 but did not start another game in 2025. McCollum had been a restricted free agent, but Omar Kahn opted not to make him a qualifying tender.
McCollum would have been free to sign with any NFL team, but has decided to remain in Pittsburgh.
Similarly, Jerry Jones and Brian Schottenheimer could have kept Hoffman in Dallas as he was also a restricted free agent. However, the duo opted not to tender their “dual threat” interior offensive lineman, making him free to sign with any NFL team.
News that the Steelers might be signing off Hoffman began as soon as Dallas made him a free agent. Yet the days passed and no signing without the announcement of a signing.
Steelers beat writer Mark Kaboly announced the signing last week, but no official report confirmed it. Indeed, the Steelers still haven’t announced the Hoffman signing, however his agent posted a picture of him signing his contract.
Brock Hoffman brings 16 games of starting experience to the Pittsburgh Steelers, having made starts at center as well as both right and left guard.
Hoffman’s signing is similar to one the Steelers made when they brought Nate Herbig to Pittsburgh in 2023, who 17 starts to his name, and was thought of as someone who could play either center or guard, although Nate Herbig had limited experience at center.
With Isaac Seumalo’s departure in free agency, guard was arguably the Steelers weakest position, with Spencer Anderson becoming the nominal starter with scant little behind him. Neither Hoffman nor McCollum looks to push for a starting role, but both provide valuable depth.
