Player: OL Ryan McCollum
Stock Value: Up
Reasoning: A restricted free agent this offseason, Ryan McCollum did not earn a tender, but has re-signed on a one-year contract. Having served as the backup center for the past couple of seasons, he figures to return to that role. But Brock Hoffman is also a center, so if he isn’t starting at left guard, the role could be his. Even if he does start, he could be the backup center with Spencer Anderson moving to guard. Either way, he now has a job, which is more than he could have said a week ago, so stock up.
Ryan McCollum has certainly put in his time, playing for the Steelers since 2022. He spent half of the time bouncing on and off the practice squad, but has been on the 53-man roster since the 2024 season. He is the backup center, even starting some games in 2024.
Originally signing with the Lions in 2021 as an undrafted free agent out of Texas A&M, Ryan McCollum earned an accrued season that year, making one start in 13 games and playing 101 offensive snaps. He found himself looking for a job by mid-August the following year, though. The Steelers claimed him off waivers, and the rest, so to speak, is history.
McCollum has fought a long uphill battle, though. Coming in late in training camp, he was firmly behind the 8-ball. He spent the next two seasons on the Steelers’ practice squad. But he earned a spot on the 53-man roster in 2024 and has remained there since. In fact, he has been their backup center. He started two games in 2024 amidst Zach Frazier’s ailments, drawing strongly positive reviews.
The Steelers signed Brock Hoffman as their top backup at both guard and center, if he doesn’t win a starting job. While that wouldn’t be great news for Ryan McCollum, it would suit the Steelers fine. All it would mean is that they are three-deep at center with legitimate options.
With the 2025 season behind us and the new league year underway, we still have stock to take. Already promisinga year of change, they are shaking things up. That is unavoidable, of course, when you gut the coaching staff. Mike Tomlin’s resignation will fundamentally change this football team, including the playoffs on the roster.
After a long season, we have finally seen that this Steelers team is playoff-bound. But they also showed that their progress was actually minimal,since they made it no further. Two years in a row, with two different quarterbacks, they went 10-7 and lost in the Wild Card Round. The only differences are that they ended the season on a higher note and won the division. But it didn’t help.
Recommended for you