Could Jon Runyan Be the Key to Fixing the Steelers Offensive Line?

Many people believe that the biggest issue with the Steelers repeating their Super Bowl success in 2009 is the offensive line.  Between not opening holes for the running game, and not protecting the $100 million dollar man, Ben Roethlisberger, the once strength of the Steelers has become a weakness.

Pittsburgh made no real attempts at bringing in veteran replacements for the offensive line during the off season. They settled on keeping their own, Max Starks and Chris Kemoeatu, so the blind side of Big Ben would remain the same.

Prior to the opening of free agency, there were rumors that Colts center Jeff Saturday wanted to join the Steelers, but that was only a ploy by Saturday to squeeze more money out of the Colts.

However, help could be on the way for the defending Super Bowl champions, in the 6'7", 330 pound tackle named John Runyan.

Runyan came to the NFL in the fourth round of the 1997 draft to the Houston Oilers / Tennessee Titans. He joined the Philadelphia Eagles in 2000 and has been a member until this past off season, when he was not resigned by the Eagles. The Eagles brought in two new starters during the off season.

Runyan has healed from his offseason microfracture surgery, and according to profootballtalk.com, Runyan is set to return to the NFL.  Runyan has started 190 consecutive games in the NFL dating back to the sixth game of his rookie season.

According to the pft article, Runyan was already contacted by one team with a contract offer last week. Runyan was not interested in playing for them, possibly because he wants a shot at something he has yet to win, a Super Bowl ring.

This is where the Steelers come into play.

Every vested veteran that is on the opening day roster has his salary fully guaranteed. The advantage that the Pittsburgh Steelers and Tennessee Titans have over the rest of the NFL is that their first game will end sometime around midnight Thursday. The rest of the NFL will not play their first game until about 60 hours later.

As Pittsburgh did a few years ago with Najeh Davenport, they could sign Runyan on Friday morning, after the conclusion of their first game, and his salary would not be guaranteed. If any team other than the Titans try to sign Runyan Friday, his salary would be guaranteed.

Runyan could immediately upgrade the Steelers offensive line, and the Steelers could give Runyan the opportunity to achieve the one goal he has not been able to in Tennessee or Philadelphia, a realistic shot at a Super Bowl ring.

Is this a match made in Heaven? We could all know by Friday afternoon.