Bleacher Report analyst Brad Gagnon has identified Pittsburgh Steelers offensive linemen Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier, and Mason McCormick as among the NFL's most underpaid players. The trio from the 2024 draft class counts just $7.4 million against the 2026 cap. Gagnon highlights their strong performances and impending large contracts.
Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive line features young talent poised for significant pay increases. Bleacher Report's Brad Gagnon, in a post-free agency analysis, selected three Steelers linemen—all drafted in the first four rounds of 2024—as top underpaid players league-wide. He noted: “We can’t pick just one, because right now the Steelers are getting excellent value out of all three of the offensive linemen they selected in the first four rounds of the 2024 draft. Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier, and Mason McCormick have become a force together, and they’re slated to count a total of just $7.4 million against the cap in 2026.” Zach Frazier, a second-round center, has emerged as one of the league's top five or six at his position since his rookie year. Pro Football Focus credits him with allowing only two sacks over 32 games. His rookie average per year stands at $1.89 million, but a strong 2026 could push negotiations toward $20 million annually, following recent deals like Tyler Linderbaum's $81 million over three years. Guard Mason McCormick, a fourth-round pick, started 31 regular-season games in his first two seasons after injuries opened opportunities. Despite five sacks allowed in 2025, he showed improvement and consistency late in the year. His $1.2 million rookie APY could multiply to around $12 million. First-round tackle Troy Fautanu may seek an extension after 2026, with Over The Cap valuing him at $15.5 million per season. A top-10 right tackle deal might reach $17.5 million, potentially climbing to $20 million with another solid year. Together, these players could exceed $50 million in annual value, signaling a shift in Pittsburgh's roster construction amid plans for a young quarterback.
