Heck and Deculus aren’t immediate replacements for the current right tackle group, but their visits suggest the organization values proven pass protection and run-blocking versatility behind its current starters. Among the Steelers’ active tackles, Dylan Cook, Max Iheanachor, and Troy Fautanu comprise the group. Cook, the veteran on the roster, is the oldest and has started six NFL games. Iheanachor is a first-round pick whose first start of the season remains a developing storyline for the line. Fautanu has the most NFL starts among the trio with 19, but he just made his debut at left tackle this past week.
Heck brings substantial NFL experience, with 67 games and 29 starts to his name. Standing 6-foot-8 and 311 pounds, he offers size and experience that could help stabilize depth in the event of injuries or performance challenges on the right side. Heck’s career includes time with the Houston Texans, where he was drafted in the fourth round in 2020, followed by stints with the Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the Miami Dolphins. In March 2026, he signed a one-year contract with the Dolphins but was released during final roster cuts after the preseason.
Deculus, while not as seasoned, has also carved out a varied NFL path. Drafted by Houston in the sixth round in 2022, he spent two seasons with the Texans before moving on to the New York Jets, New Orleans Saints, Los Angeles Chargers, and Tennessee Titans, with a brief return to Houston in 2024. He has started six NFL games, five of them with the Chargers last season, providing valuable experience across multiple systems.
The Steelers’ interest in veteran tackles comes at a time when the team has been evaluating its interior protection and edge blocking. The takeaway is clear: the organization is prioritizing depth and versatility at offensive tackle to support the quarterback and maintain a steady running game as the season progresses. While no definitive roster moves are announced at this moment, the team’s approach underscores a measured emphasis on experience and reliability on the edge.
Key takeaways:
– The Steelers conducted a tackle-focused personnel evaluation, including Charlie Heck’s tryout and a meeting with Austin Deculus.
– Veteran depth at right tackle remains a priority as the team assesses current blockers and potential contingency plans.
– Dylan Cook, Max Iheanachor, and Troy Fautanu comprise the current tackle group, with varying levels of starting experience.
– Heck offers substantial NFL experience and size (6-foot-8, 311 pounds); Deculus brings a broader but less lengthy starting résumé.
– No immediate signings were announced, but the team’s actions indicate a deliberate search for additional tackle depth to support the offensive line going forward.
This rewritten piece preserves the essential facts about the Steelers’ pursuit of veteran offensive tackle depth, the players involved, and the context of the current offensive line situation, while removing any source references or promotional material.
