Steelers Giving Rookie A Record Deal Was Almost Ruined By The Detroit Lions

The Pittsburgh Steelers are known for being extremely strategic when it comes to the NFL Draft each year. The organization won't always go after a position that is needed when it is on the clock, but rather, select the best player available. Another very important piece of roster construction every offseason is attempting to sign certain guys that didn't hear their names called throughout the seven rounds. There have been some fantastic undrafted rookies to play for the franchise as the current example is starting running back Jaylen Warren, who ended up in the Steel City after not being taken during the 2022 NFL Draft.

Most rookies that go undrafted have a very tough time making it on the 53-man roster. That leads to even less getting playing time, but the Steelers have had several productive players go through this process. Each year, it is a big-time win if NFL teams can secure one important undrafted rookie, and Pittsburgh may have found a diamond in the rough following the 2025 NFL Draft.

DJ Thomas-Jones is going to do what he can to compete for a spot on the roster. Training camp will be a vital piece of his development, as he will not have too much time to prove himself to the coaching staff's decision-makers. He is an athletic freak that has the ability to play some kind of hybrid role in the Steelers' offense, but it's not easy to get someone in his position snaps come the regular season, unless he really shows out during team development.

Pittsburgh's front office handed out the largest undrafted free agent contract to a non-quarterback, which gave Thomas-Jones a nice $30,000 payday. That's a big commitment from the Steelers' brass, and the rookie recently spoke with Jim Wexell of the Steel City Insider. The two talked about several topics, but one thing that stood out was his signing bonus. It seems like the Steelers needed to offer a big number to compete with an NFC team that almost stole Thomas-Jones.

"The Lions, but other than that, no, sir," Thomas-Jones told Wexell when asked about a franchise trying to outbid Pittsburgh.

When an NFL fan thinks of the Detroit Lions, Head Coach Dan Campbell immediately comes to mind. He has completely shifted the culture in the organization, which has led to multiple successful seasons. He loves nitty-gritty football players, and Thomas-Jones is just that. This is why the Steelers ultimately had to open up the checkbook a little bit in order to land the undrafted rookie.

It will be interesting to see if Thomas-Jones has what it takes to make the 53-man roster, but many have been wondering if he could step into a true fullback role. Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith has used this position in the past, and if Pittsburgh wants to run the ball successfully, a massive 6'2", 262-pound individual is a good place to start.

The Steelers could get extremely creative with a player like Thomas-Jones, and he would especially be useful in the red zone, a place where Pittsburgh has struggled in recent seasons. Overall, it's a great thing that the brass in the Steel City was not just willing to give him a large signing bonus, but also convinced him that he belongs in the black and gold.

Steelers Set To Have Completely Different Offensive Personnel In 2025

There have been a lot of changes in Pittsburgh during the 2025 offseason, and the big names have taken up all the headlines. Thomas-Jones, however, is an intriguing player to keep an eye on throughout training camp. The franchise clearly believed in him, which is why it will be fascinating to see if he works his way onto the roster, and if the Lions regret not trying to pay him even more.

Do you think the Steelers could have a diamond in the rough when it comes to Thomas-Jones? Let us know in the comments below!

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