The makeover of an aging offensive line that began for the Pittsburgh Steelers last season came after the organization bid goodbye to three veterans that played on the interior.

Maurkice Pouncey retired, David DeCastro essentially ended his career because of injury and Matt Feiler exited in free agency.

The Steelers signed Trai Turner to fill DeCastro’s spot at right guard but put the other two interior spots in the hands of prospects. Kevin Dotson, in his second season, started at left guard, and third-round pick Kendrick Green earned the center position as a rookie.

As evidenced by the Steelers finishing No. 29 in rushing and Ben Roethlisberger taking 38 sacks in his final season, the line was a work in progress.

Entering 2022, expect the transition to continue along the interior as the Steelers determine the best way to use Green. Undersized for the pivot, Green could be shuffled back to guard, where he primarily played in college.

If the Steelers keep Green at center, they will need to replace Turner and perhaps provide competition for Dotson, who didn’t take the type of ascension in his second season that coach Mike Tomlin expects from his players.

Free agency is the first stop on the offseason shopping list. It begins Wednesday at 4 p.m. and is preceded by a 48-hour “legal tampering” period.

The Steelers will have at least $29 million available in salary cap space, which could allow them to be competitive early in the free agency process.

Before we delve into the open market, a look at what the organization already has on hand:

Steelers situation

On the roster: Kendrick Green, Kevin Dotson, John Leglue, Joe Haeg, Malcolm Pridgeon, Nate Gilliam: Leglue finished the year starting in place of the injured Dotson. Haeg has played guard in a pinch. Pridgeon and Gilliam were signed to futures contracts.

Expected to return: J.C. Hassenauer: As an exclusive rights free agent, he has no bargaining power and should be back to provide depth inside. He has started at center and guard.

Unrestricted free agents: Trai Turner, B.J. Finney. Turner started all 17 games and provided leadership as the most experienced player on the line. He was a bargain at $3 million, but the Steelers could seek a replacement with more upside. Finney’s back injuries flared up again and cut short his season. His second stint with the Steelers likely will be his last.

Exploring the market

Center

Ryan Jensen: The former Baltimore Ravens player hasn’t missed a game in the past five seasons, the last four coming with Tampa Bay. Coming off a four-year, $42 million deal, Jensen has been attached to the Steelers as a potential fit in free agency. Run blocking is viewed as his strength. He will be 31 when training camp begins.

Ben Jones: A 10-year veteran, he has missed just one game in the past eight years with Houston and Tennessee. He had a $7.25 million cap hit last season with the Titans and will be 33 when the season starts.

Bradley Bozeman: A three-year starter in Baltimore, Bozeman finished his fourth season with the Ravens. After starting at guard in the 2019-20 seasons, he moved to center last season. He is coming off his first contract, which could make him intriguing for the Steelers.

Brian Allen: Not to be confused with the former Steelers cornerback of the same name, this Brian Allen earned a Super Bowl ring with the Los Angeles Rams and also is coming off his rookie deal. Last season, though, was his first as a full-time starter.

Others: Evan Brown (Lions), Matt Paradis (Panthers), Billy Price (Giants), Justin Britt (Texans)

Guards

Brandon Scherff: A former No. 5 overall pick, Scherff wrapped up his seventh season with Washington. He twice received the franchise tag. Aside from coming off a bloated salary, Scherff hasn’t played a full season since 2016.

Connor Williams: He is coming off his rookie deal with Dallas, but he committed 15 penalties last season. He is expected to generate plenty of interest in free agency and could be too pricey for the Steelers.

James Daniels: Daniels also is entering free agency for the first time after starting all 17 games last year for Chicago. He’s only 24 years old, and the Bears could try to bring him back before he hits the market.

Others: Alex Cappa (Buccaneers), Laken Tomlinson (49ers), Andrew Norwell (Jaguars), Austin Corbett (Rams)

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