Steelers try out former Texans offensive lineman

The Pittsburgh Steelers are exploring another option along their offensive line, bringing in veteran offensive tackle Charlie Heck for a tryout Tuesday.

According to Steelers insider Alan Saunders, the Steelers tried out Heck, a former fourth-round pick of the Houston Texans out of North Carolina.

Heck, 28, spent the 2026 preseason with the Miami Dolphins before becoming available on the open market. He originally entered the NFL as a fourth-round selection by Houston in the 2020 NFL Draft.

The 6-foot-8, 310-pound tackle has appeared in 51 regular-season games during his NFL career, including 27 starts. His experience comes primarily at offensive tackle, giving Pittsburgh another veteran option as it continues to evaluate the depth of its offensive line.

The Steelers also hosted tackle Austin Deculus, a 2022 sixth-round pick by Houston, for a tryout, according to KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson. Deculus has six career starts and has appeared in 26 career games.

The Steelers have already made significant changes up front this offseason, with new head coach Mike McCarthy installing a different offensive system. Pittsburgh’s transition from Arthur Smith’s wide-zone approach to McCarthy’s more traditional pro-style, gap-oriented scheme has placed additional emphasis on finding players who fit the new system.

Heck and Deculus’ workouts do not necessarily mean the Steelers will sign them, but it signals that the team is continuing to examine available veteran options at tackle.