PITTSBURGH – Steelers is strengthening its offensive line with a familiar face signing veteran lineman BJ Finney for a year, the team announced on Friday.
With the retirement of central Maurkice Pouncey and possible departures from left guard Matt Feiler and left tackle Alejandro Villanueva at the free agency, the signing of Finney, 29, gives the Steelers another veteran presence in a young offensive line. Finney is a candidate to fill the role of Pouncey at the center, although the team also has JC Hassenauer under contract and can also select a center in the next NFL draft.
Finney initially signed with the Steelers as a non-hired free agent in 2015 and made his NFL debut with Pittsburgh in 2016, playing 16 games and starting three.
A versatile indoor player, Finney started 13 games at the guard and center in Pittsburgh before going to Seattle at the free agency. Finney signed a two-year, $ 8 million contract with the Seahawks a year ago, but he never played an offensive for the team before being negotiated with Cincinnati in October as part of the Carlos Dunlap deal. He was cut by Bengals before the free agency, which made him available to be hired immediately.
Adding a versatile, veteran and cheap striker was a priority for the Steelers, who enter the free agency on a tight budget. Bringing one of your people back immediately fills that need and shortens your free agency wish list.