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Former Pittsburgh Steelers left tackle Dan Moore Jr. (#65) earned an unenviable honor.

The Pittsburgh Steelers appear to have made the right move when they let veteran left tackle Dan Moore Jr. walk in free agency. At least, based on public opinion.

“It happens every year,” Davenport began. “Truly elite offensive tackles rarely sniff free agency. Even quality starters are generally locked up before hitting the open market. But that doesn’t stop teams desperate to improve the offensive line from overpaying guys who actually are available.”

“Such was the case with Dan Moore Jr., who got $20.5 million a season and $50 million in guarantees from the [Tennessee] Titans despite allowing a dozen sacks with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024, per Pro Football Focus,” he continued.

After quoting Moore, who told reporters that he’s looking to “exceed expectations” this spring, Davenport added: “That’s a lovely sentiment, but Moore would need to improve markedly to be an OK left tackle.”

“He’s being paid like a top-10 one,” the writer concluded. “And that he most assuredly is not.”

Moore inked a four-year, $82 million contract with the Titans this offseason. By letting him walk, the Steelers were able to bring in several additions, including wide receiver DK Metcalf and quarterback Aaron Rodgers, among others.

Dan Moore Jr.’s Departure Is Expected to Net the Steelers a Third-Round Compensatory Draft Pick

The other positive of letting Moore leave in free agency, besides having more cap space to spread around, is the compensatory draft pick that they’re expected to gain from developing him.

According to Over the Cap’s compensatory pick formula, Moore is projected to net Pittsburgh an extra third-round pick in 2026. That is the highest compensatory pick they earned for a free agent departure this offseason.

Even quarterback Justin Fields, who is expected to start for the New York Jets, will only net the Steelers a fourth-round pick, according to Over the Cap.

Either way, general manager Omar Khan and the Steelers made out like bandits in the compensatory pick department this spring. In total, they are projected to receive six compensatory picks in 2026 — one third, one fourth, one fifth, and three sixths.

It’s possible that Pittsburgh could utilize some of its extra draft capital to move up in round one as they attempt to secure their next franchise quarterback of the future. And Moore’s Titans contract could end up being one of their bigger bargaining chips.

Steelers Are Relying on Broderick Jones to Step Up in 2025

The downside of letting Moore walk is that you lose that reliable insurance policy at left tackle. Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu were always going to start in 2025, but the pressure is now on for both draft picks to stay healthy and perform.

If they’re able to step up and rise to the challenge, this entire free agency decision will work out brilliantly for the Steelers.

If Jones struggles or either player suffers an injury, some may start to question letting Moore go. Although, realistically, Pittsburgh was never going to match what Tennessee offered him.

Needless to say, Jones’ development will be paramount in 2025. In a more underrated sense, he could end up being one of the Steelers’ most important players this season.