Steelers tenured starter already among trade candidates after NFL Draft

When the Pittsburgh Steelers selected Troy Fautanu with their first pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, it marked the beginning of the end for OT Dan Moore Jr. 

Sure he could potentially stay on the team as a swing tackle, but his lack of versatility leaves him in a vulnerable spot as training camp approaches. 

That has left some to hypothesize Moore as a potential trade candidate, with the Washington Commanders being an ideal landing spot:

Moore to the DMV?

Washington could contact the Steelers, who are overflowing with offensive line options after using three picks on OL in 2024. With Troy Fautanu and Broderick Jones — Pittsburgh’s last two first-rounders — poised to start at tackle, Moore could be on the move as he enters the final season of his rookie contract. -Dallas Robinson, PFN

Overflowing with options is a little rich considering the spot the team was in just three weeks ago, and the situation that would present itself should injury arise. 

I believe wholeheartedly in both Troy Fautanu and Zach Frazier as Week 1 starters. But Pittsburgh has a precedent of making rookies earn their spot, meaning the likelihood of both rookies seeing action immediately is low. 

That bodes well for Moore Jr.’s projection to the 2024 roster. Pittsburgh didn’t start last year's first-round tackle [Broderick Jones] until midway through the season, and that was only because of a behavior issue with Chuks Okorafor. 

Joey Porter Jr. was arguably the best defensive back on the team last season and he sat for the first month plus of his rookie campaign. 

Beyond that, however, Pittsburgh doesn’t typically trade or release players, but certainly not starters before the end of their rookie deal. Making a clean break after the season as both sides look to move on would be your best bet. 

But we know even average tackle play is hard to come by in the NFL, meaning Moore could be an intriguing option for a variety of teams.