The Pittsburgh Steelers could have Dylan Cook as their starting left tackle when the 2026 season kicks off, following his late emergence as the starter by the end of the 2025 campaign. Cook’s opportunity arose due to multiple injuries along the offensive line, and after waiting patiently for years, he appears ready to seize his chance.
Originally an undrafted free agent out of Montana in 2022, Cook spent his rookie year with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the Steelers signed him the following May. Since joining Pittsburgh, he has fluctuated between the practice squad and active roster but remained part of the organization through it all. Although he made the 53-man roster in his first season, he did not see game action.
Progression from Practice Squad to Starter Amid Injuries
Cook’s momentum was interrupted in 2024 when an injury landed him on injured reserve to start the year. After returning, he was waived but quickly re-signed to the Steelers’ practice squad. The 2025 season began with him still on the practice squad, but injuries to the offensive line finally opened a path forward.
When starting left tackle Broderick Jones suffered a season-ending neck injury in Week 12, Andrus Peat and Calvin Anderson were tapped to fill in but faced setbacks of their own. The Steelers then promoted Dylan Cook, who had to finish the game while Peat dealt with a stinger injury. By the time Peat recovered, Cook had secured the starting spot.
Strong Performances Put Cook in Position for Starting Role
Over five starts in six games, including the playoffs, Cook performed admirably, proving his value despite limited prior experience. With Broderick Jones’ recovery timeline remaining uncertain, Cook’s rise creates a pivotal contest for the left tackle position during the upcoming training camp. Although Steelers management likely wants Jones, a young first-round pick, to reclaim his role, Cook’s recent play means he could earn the job outright.
At 28 years old, Cook is older than most players with only one year of accrued NFL experience, making this a crucial moment in his career. He will not even be eligible for restricted free agency until he turns 30, so securing and proving himself as a starter now is essential. For Cook, it is a rare window that demands immediate impact.
Steelers Face Uncertainty Amid Organizational Change
The Steelers are navigating a familiar but frustrating pattern after another early playoff departure. This ongoing challenge coincides with significant upheaval, including the resignation of head coach Mike Tomlin. As the team reviews rosters and plans ahead, difficult decisions about player roles and contracts lie ahead.
Dylan Cook’s situation exemplifies this tension — a player who has waited years, now thrust to the forefront as the Steelers determine their future. How the organization approaches these choices will shape not only the offensive line but also broader team dynamics going into 2026 and beyond.
