A familiar face is coming back to provide depth for the Pittsburgh Steelers on the interior of their offensive line.
B.J. Finney, a 29-year-old guard/center, is returning to the organization that employed him from 2015-19. He signed a one-year contract with the Steelers on Friday.
Finney is a candidate to replace Maurkice Pouncey at center, following the nine-time Pro Bowl player’s retirement. He also could compete with Kevin Dotson at left guard if the Steelers sign another center in free agency or add one in the NFL Draft.
Signed as an undrafted free agent out of Kansas State in 2015, Finney spent his first year with the Steelers on the practice squad.
After starting 13 games and appearing in 59 games over the 2016-19 seasons with the Steelers, Finney left via free agency last March when the Seattle Seahawks offered a two-year, $8 million contract that included a $2 million signing bonus and $4.5 million guaranteed.
Finney appeared in six games with the Seahawks as a backup before he was traded to the Cincinnati Bengals for Carlos Dunlap. Finney spent time on the reserve/covid-19 list and played in just one game for the Bengals.
Because the Bengals released Finney this week, he was free to sign with any team after clearing waivers and did not have to wait until the start of free agency March 17.
The Steelers were 11-2 in games that Finney started for them. Finney could be a good fit for a running game that will be rebuilt after the Steelers finished 32nd last season in rushing. Finney started at left guard in December 2016 when Le’Veon Bell set the franchise single-game rushing record with 236 yards. The Steelers also surpassed 100 yards rushing in six consecutive starts that Finney made over the 2016-17 seasons and eight times in his 13 starts.
