The Pittsburgh Steelers clearly didn’t want former fourth-round offensive tackle Dan Moore Jr. to be part of their long-term future. The franchise drafted offensive tackles Broderick Jones and Troy Fantanu in the first round during Moore’s final two seasons as Pittsburgh’s starting left tackle.
Regardless of how things continue to go with those two young tackles, the Steelers made the right choice. If there was any remaining question in that potential debate, the Steelers received vindication from CBS Sports’ Garrett Podell.
On August 18, Podell included Moore on his 2026 NFL All-Overpaid team. Podell called Moore the most-overpaid offensive tackle in the league entering this season.
“The Tennessee Titans reeled in Dan Moore Jr. to be 2025 first overall pick quarterback Cam Ward’s blindside protector in free agency a year ago, and he was an absolute disaster,” wrote Podell. “Moore allowed eight sacks in 2025, tied for the seventh-most in the NFL, while surrendering 46 quarterback pressures, the second most in the NFL and just one behind Cowboys right tackle Terence Steele’s league-leading 47.
“Out of the 84 offensive tackles graded by Pro Football Focus in 2025, Moore’s 61.9 offensive grade ranked 57th. Only three more years to go.”
Moore signed a 4-year, $82 million contract with the Tennessee Titans in March 2025.
In five NFL seasons, Moore has started 82 games. He started 66 of those contests over four years with the Steelers.
Former Steelers’ Dan Moore Jr. Earns Dreaded Most-Overpaid OT Title
GettyCBS Sports’ Garrett Podell called former Pittsburgh Steelers draft pick Dan Moore Jr. the most overpaid offensive tackle in the NFL.
There wasn’t much a debate about whether the Steelers should re-sign Moore. With Jones and Fautanu as first-round picks on rookie contracts last spring, it was clear the Steelers were going to move on from Moore.
Still, it’s nice for the team to see indications that was the right decision. Podell confirmed that with his conclusion of Moore on his overpaid list.
Moore received $50 million guaranteed with his Titans contract. In 2026, he will have a $26.35 million cap hit.
Among offensive tackles this fall, Moore will have the third-highest cap hit in the league. His average annual salary is ranked 20th at offensive tackle.
If there’s any good news for the Titans, Moore has a potential out in his contract after the 2026 season. His dead cap hit drops to $12.75 million for the 2027 campaign.
If his play doesn’t improve, the Titans could move on from Moore next March. Even if they don’t, they will be paying Moore less going forward. The offensive tackle’s cap hit will dip to $22.13 million for 2027.
Steelers Get Vindication on Departed Overpriced 82-Game Starter