Steelers Sign Former First Round Pick For Insurance For Broderick Jones

The Pittsburgh Steelers offense is going to have to be serviceable if they want to compete for a Super Bowl in 2025. With Aaron Rodgers in town, there are new expectations, and many pundits believe the Steelers could be a serious threat in the AFC. For that to happen, the offensive line must hold up. Protecting a 41-year-old quarterback will be one of the biggest challenges the team faces this season.

As training camp has progressed, injuries have started to pile up across the offensive line, and depth has quickly become a concern. Several players have missed time, forcing the coaching staff to reshuffle and test their younger linemen. With Rodgers under center, the margin for error is small, and the Steelers know they need reliable protection to keep their offense on track.

To address this issue, the Steelers signed veteran offensive tackle Andrus Peat, a former first-round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. Peat brings valuable experience and could immediately compete for snaps as Pittsburgh looks to solidify its front five. Head Coach Mike Tomlin confirmed the move while speaking to the Pittsburgh media on Thursday, expressing confidence that Peat can help stabilize a group that is suddenly facing mounting pressure.

"We acquired [Andrus] Peat on the offensive line," Tomlin told the Pittsburgh media on Thursday. "He is a versatile veteran. He has played both guard and tackle. We have absorbed some attrition in those spaces, and so a grizzly veteran with multi-positional experience is an asset."

Tomlin explained that the decision to sign the veteran had a lot to do with depth purposes. The Steelers were also drawn to Peat because of the versatility he brings to the offensive line. Peat has played ten seasons in the NFL and, at 31 years old, arrives in Pittsburgh as a key rotational piece. His ability to play both guard and tackle could prove to be a major asset as the season wears on, especially with injuries already beginning to impact the unit.

Peat has started 103 games over the course of his career. Last season, he played for the Las Vegas Raiders and made just one start, but his experience remains valuable. If he can stay healthy, his veteran presence should be a steadying force for young linemen like Troy Fautanu and Broderick Jones. Both players are expected to play significant roles, and having a proven veteran behind them gives the Steelers much-needed insurance.

Steelers Waive 2 Players To Make Room For Peat And Woodside

With Peat now in the fold, the Steelers have added a layer of stability to an offensive line that has already faced adversity in training camp. Tomlin and the coaching staff clearly wanted more depth and leadership in the trenches, and Peat fits both needs. Steeler Nation should feel encouraged by the move, knowing that the team is taking smart steps to protect Rodgers and keep the offense on track.

To go along with the decision to sign Peat, the Steelers also chose to bring in veteran quarterback Logan Woodside. This move comes after rookie quarterback Will Howard suffered an injury that will keep him out for the remainder of the preseason. Tomlin noted that Woodside should be a quick study and able to adjust to the system without much delay.

To make room for Woodside and Peat, the Steelers waived long snapper Tucker Addington and guard Nick Broeker. These roster moves were necessary to free up space for the incoming veterans as the team continues to adjust during training camp.

#SteelerNation