Earlier in the season, it looked like Pittsburgh Steelers left tackle Dan Moore would have a career year, but things have gone south since then and Moore has looked like the struggling offensive lineman he did over the first three years of his career.
Through the first nine games, Moore surrendered just two sacks and 15 pressures. But over the last five games, the former fourth-round pick has given up six sacks and 14 pressures, per Pro Football Focus, which has erased all the good he did.
But Moore may not be the Steelers' problem for much longer, with the 26-year-old set to hit free agency in 2025. One NFL analyst, Bleacher Report's Alex Ballentine, thinks Moore will end up with the New Orleans Saints next year.
With Ryan Ramczyk's future in doubt, it would make a lot of sense to move Taliese Fuaga to right tackle and Trevor Penning to guard next season. Penning was already scheduled to make the position switch this fall until Ramczyk went down and Fuaga was a First-Team All-American on the right edge in college.
However, that would leave New Orleans with a need at left tackle. Moore could be a good option in free agency as he's been solid this season with just 27 pressures surrendered and a 70.3 pass-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus heading into this past weekend. Plus, he's only 26 years old to help the team's roster get younger.
The Steelers will almost certainly not want Moore back in 2025. On top of his issues, the Steelers have a young tackle duo in Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu who are the future bookends of the offensive line.
Jones has had his issues this season, but the Steelers aren't going to give up on him yet. Meanwhile, Fautanu suffered a knee injury that ended his season early, but he's going to be a starter next year when healthy.
Where Moore ultimately ends up in 2025 remains to be seen, but we can confidently say it won't be with the Steelers.
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