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Steelers using free agency to protect Ben Roethlisberger

The signing of Ryan Harris provides valuable experience and swing-tackle help for an already solid offensive line that's all in on protecting Ben Roethlisberger.

What's clear: The left tackle job is Alejandro Villanueva's to lose now. Harris can start, but won't unless Villanueva -- the 6-foot-9 project who acquitted himself well in 11 starts a year ago -- drops the ball in training camp.

Kelvin Beachum wanted to resume his place as an NFL starter and the Steelers weren't willing to pay him starting-left-tackle money. That's probably why Russell Okung isn't in Pittsburgh.