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Steelers Unleash 320-Pound Rookie Beast to Reinforce Offensive Line — Reshape 53-Man Roster

Steelers Cut Ties with Versatile Offensive Lineman - Yahoo Sports

Pittsburgh, PA — The Steelers have added raw power to their trenches. Rookie guard/tackle Steven Jones, a 320-pound (145 kg) undrafted free agent out of Oregon, has been unleashed to bolster Pittsburgh’s offensive line as part of a dramatic 53-man roster reshaping.

Jones arrived in Pittsburgh after a stint on Jacksonville’s practice squad, signing a reserve/future deal last winter. At 6’5”, he brings the kind of size and strength that can shift a pocket and open lanes in the run game. Coaches have praised his durability and versatility, noting how he impressed during training camp with both brute power and surprising agility.

With young anchors like Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier, and Mason McCormick, Pittsburgh is crafting an offensive line built to protect its quarterback and reignite a rushing attack led by Jaylen Warren and Kaleb Johnson. Last season, the Steelers allowed 49 sacks — a number this coaching staff is determined to slash.

Head coach Mike Tomlin addressed the addition directly:

“Steven is a big man with a big opportunity. He’s raw, but he’s got the toughness and the work ethic we value. Our offensive line is young, hungry, and building an identity. Steven fits right into that vision — he gives us another piece of the wall we want in front of our quarterback.”

For GM Omar Khan, the signing signals a long-term plan: invest in youth, build from the trenches, and give the offense the foundation it needs to compete in the AFC North.

Steelers Nation, always craving a physical brand of football, may have just found a new underdog to rally behind. The “320-pound beast” is no finished product — but in Pittsburgh, that’s the story fans love most: toughness, grit, and the promise of something greater on Sundays.

Patrick Queen Confirms Star WR Eagles Rejected Ravens to Work Out with Steelers - Awaiting Medical Check
Pittsburgh, PA – As the 2025 NFL trade deadline heats up with the November 4 cutoff approaching, Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen has publicly confirmed that wide receiver DeVonta Smith – the struggling star from the Philadelphia Eagles – turned down an invitation from the Baltimore Ravens to instead participate in a workout with the Steelers. This revelation came from Queen in a recent interview, sparking speculation about a potential trade deal, contingent on Smith passing an upcoming medical examination. This is the latest development in the rumors surrounding the Steelers' efforts to upgrade their wide receiver position after trading Diontae Johnson in the offseason. Source: https://x.com/CarneyMedia/status/1974569559236727034 According to Queen, who previously played for the Ravens before signing a 3-year, $41 million contract with the Steelers in 2024, Smith received an offer from Baltimore but chose to decline in favor of the opportunity in Pittsburgh. "I know DeVonta said no to the Ravens because he sees the Steelers as a better fit for his development," Queen shared on his personal podcast, emphasizing the connections between Smith and the Steelers' coaching staff. Queen, who has expressed disappointment over the Ravens not offering him a new contract, suggested that Smith's decision reflects "dissatisfaction with how the Ravens handle young players." This adds extra drama as Queen is set to face his former team in the upcoming Steelers vs. Ravens matchup. DeVonta Smith, who is experiencing the slowest start of his career with just 18 receptions and 289 yards through the first four games of the 2025 season, is facing frustration at the Eagles due to his limited role in the red zone under coordinator Kellen Moore. Along with A.J. Brown, the Eagles' expensive WR duo (each over $50 million) is rumored to be on the trade block to alleviate salary cap burdens, with Smith seen as the more feasible candidate thanks to his speed and route-running skills that would complement DK Metcaf in Pittsburgh. Sources from NFL executives indicate the Eagles rejected offseason offers for Smith, but the recent loss to the Denver Broncos (where Brown and Smith combined for only 6 yards in the first half) has ramped up the pressure. The Steelers, boasting a 3-1 start to the season under GM Omar Khan – renowned for big deals like acquiring Minkah Fitzpatrick – are "heavily monitoring" the situation in Philadelphia, according to a report from Carney Media on X. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith previously coached Smith in Tennessee, while assistant GM Andy Weidl was involved in drafting him at the Eagles, creating a natural connection. However, everything hinges on the results of Smith's medical check, scheduled for this week, to ensure he has no issues from recent injuries. The Eagles have not officially commented on the rumors but have affirmed there are no plans to trade Smith before the deadline. Meanwhile, Queen wrapped up his interview with encouragement: "If DeVonta comes here, he'll be the perfect piece for our offense." With the Eagles currently on their bye week, Steelers fans are eagerly awaiting to see if this workout leads to a contract, potentially shifting the AFC North landscape. The Steelers will face their next opponent while awaiting updates from the medical check.