The Pittsburgh Steelers appear to be scouring the offensive tackle market for veteran experience.
According to the NFL transaction wire, the Steelers held a tryout with veteran offensive tackle Charlie Heck. The team also visited with tackle Austin Deculus on Tuesday.
Although the Steelers didn’t sign either offensive tackle, the similarities between the two could lead one to believe the team is interested in more experienced tackle depth.
That apparent interest comes on the heels of veteran tackle Dylan Cook starting his first game at right tackle in Week 1. Cook started ahead of first-round rookie Max Iheanachor.
When Iheanachor might make his first start this season is a significant storyline for the Steelers offensive line going forward.
Steelers Try Out Charlie Heck, Visit With Austin Deculus
Heck and Deculus aren’t potential replacements for Cook or Iheanachor at right tackle for the Steelers. But it’s interesting the team is possibly pursuing more tackle experience.
Of the three tackles the Steelers have on their active roster, Cook, Iheanachor and Troy Fautanu, Cook is the oldest. But Cook has made just six starts in his NFL career.
With 19 starts, Fautanu has the most game experience. But he just made his NFL debut at left tackle Sunday.
Heck has 67 games of NFL experience, which includes 29 starts. Standing at 6-foot-8 and 311 pounds, Heck can also provide tremendous size.
The Houston Texans drafted Heck in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He spent four seasons with the Texans before bouncing around to the Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Miami Dolphins.
In March 2026, Heck signed a 1-year contract with the Dolphins. Miami released him as part of its final roster cuts after the preseason.
Deculus doesn’t have as much experience but has had a similar NFL career. The two linemen were actually teammates with the Texans for two seasons.
Houston drafted Deculus in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. After two years with the Texans, Deculus had stints with the New York Jets, New Orleans Saints, Los Angeles Chargers and Tennessee Titans. He also briefly went back to the Texans in 2024.
The Titans waived Deculus at the roster deadline in August.
The tackle has made six starts in his NFL career. Five of those starts came with the Chargers last season.
When Will Max Iheanachor Make First Start?
Iheanachor played just one snap in his NFL debut Sunday. But by the midseason point, he could be a regular in the Steelers starting lineup.
Team insider Mark Kaboly explored on Tuesday’s Steelers Collective Show when Iheanachor could take over for Cook at right tackle.
“I just don’t want to force him in there quite yet, especially when you’re in New England, on the road. You don’t want that guy up there to start your career on the road,” said Kaboly, via Jake Brockhoff. “Then, you’re coming home to a pretty stout defensive line, or at least on paper, in Cincinnati now.
“I think you want to put him in a situation, when you decide to pull the trigger for Iheanachor, that he’s in a good spot. The best spot to me seems like Week 5 Indy game at home.”
Iheanachor played his only snap Sunday with Cook also on the field. Fautanu left with an injury but returned after just one play. On the play, Iheanachor lined up at right tackle while Cook played on the left side.
The Steelers pursuing the tackle market could be an indication they want to have insurance in mind if Fautanu goes down again. But there’s nothing to indicate Fautanu won’t be ready to play in Week 2 versus the New England Patriots.
Steelers Hunting Tackle Market Amid Lingering Question at RT