Veteran Lineman Andrus Peat Joins Pittsburgh Steelers, Adding Experience and Depth Ahead of 2025 Season
The Pittsburgh Steelers have made a significant addition to their offensive line by signing seasoned NFL lineman Andrus Peat. This acquisition injects a wealth of professional experience and leadership into Pittsburgh’s offensive front as they gear up for the upcoming 2025 season. Head coach Mike Tomlin officially confirmed Peat’s signing during a recent press conference, highlighting the team’s intent to blend youth with veteran presence, particularly in the trenches where games are often won or lost.
This strategic move aims to strengthen Pittsburgh’s depth at offensive tackle, a position crucial to the protection of the quarterback and overall execution of the offense. Peat, a former first-round draft pick and three-time Pro Bowl selection, brings with him an impressive resume spanning nearly a decade in the NFL. For the Steelers, this is more than just a depth signing—it’s a calculated effort to bolster leadership and provide mentorship for younger players while potentially adding a starting-caliber lineman to the mix.
From Stanford Stardom to NFL Recognition: Peat’s Rise to Prominence
Andrus Peat first emerged as a dominant force during his collegiate career at Stanford University, where he played for the Stanford Cardinal. In 2013, Peat earned Second Team All-Pac-12 honors, a recognition that put him on the radar of NFL scouts. His play only improved in the subsequent year, as he was named to the First Team All-Pac-12 in 2014. With a combination of athleticism, size, and technique, Peat was regarded as one of the top offensive line prospects in the nation by the time he declared for the NFL Draft.
Recognizing his potential, the New Orleans Saints selected Peat with the 13th overall pick in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft. Shortly after being drafted, Peat signed a four-year rookie deal worth approximately $11.39 million, a reflection of the high expectations surrounding his entrance into the league.
Over the next several years, Peat would live up to much of that potential, becoming a cornerstone of the Saints’ offensive line. His versatility allowed him to play both tackle and guard, though he eventually found his greatest success and comfort at the left guard position. During his time in New Orleans, he became a fixture on the line, known for his ability to create running lanes, protect quarterbacks, and handle even the most aggressive defensive linemen in the league.
A Decade in New Orleans: The Pillar of the Saints’ Offensive Line
Throughout his tenure with the Saints, which lasted from 2015 to 2023, Peat was a model of consistency and durability. He appeared in 111 games and started 102 of them, establishing himself as a mainstay on one of the most respected offensive lines in the league during that era. His efforts helped quarterback Drew Brees and the Saints offense maintain their position as one of the NFL’s most efficient and high-scoring units throughout the late 2010s.
Peat’s most decorated stretch came from 2018 through 2020, when he was named to three consecutive Pro Bowls. During that time, he started all 36 games he played in, anchoring the left side of the line and contributing significantly to the team’s overall success. His presence was especially important in run blocking, where he helped pave the way for dynamic rushers like Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram.
Given his level of play and reliability, the Saints rewarded Peat in 2020 with a lucrative five-year, $57.5 million contract extension. It was a strong vote of confidence in his ability to continue performing at a high level. However, as the seasons progressed and the team evolved, Peat’s role began to diminish.
A New Chapter Begins: Las Vegas Raiders and Role Shift
By 2023, Peat’s time as a consistent starter in New Orleans had run its course. Whether due to injuries, competition from younger players, or changing team dynamics, he lost his starting job and entered free agency. Determined to continue his career, he signed with the Las Vegas Raiders for the 2024 NFL season.
In Las Vegas, Peat took on more of a backup and rotational role. He appeared in 15 games, starting just once. That lone start came in Week 2 during a crucial road matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. Peat started at guard in a game the Raiders managed to win by a narrow 26-23 margin, demonstrating that he still had the ability to contribute meaningfully when called upon.
Although he wasn’t a permanent fixture in the Raiders’ starting lineup, his presence was valued for his professionalism, veteran insight, and ability to step in when needed. Even as a backup, Peat’s extensive knowledge of defensive schemes and blocking techniques made him a valuable resource in team meetings and position group sessions.
Steelers’ Offensive Line: A Youth Movement Meets Veteran Experience
With the signing of Peat, the Steelers are clearly aiming to strike a balance between developing young talent and maintaining a core of seasoned professionals. Pittsburgh’s current offensive tackle situation includes two promising young players: Troy Fautanu and Broderick Jones. Both are recent first-round picks who represent the future of the Steelers’ offensive line.
Fautanu was drafted with the 20th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft after an impressive collegiate career at the University of Washington. Known for his agility and intelligence, Fautanu is considered a high-upside player who could become a long-term starter at left tackle.
Meanwhile, Broderick Jones, the 13th overall pick in the 2023 draft from Georgia, is entering his third season with the Steelers. He showed flashes of brilliance in his early career and is widely regarded as a building block for the offensive line. His combination of power and speed makes him a strong candidate for a long-term starting role, possibly at right tackle.
In addition to these rising stars, the Steelers’ current training camp roster also features offensive linemen Calvin Anderson, Dylan Cook, and Gareth Warren. These players are competing for roles in the rotation and as backups, but none have the resume or accolades that Peat brings to the table. His signing not only adds competition but also elevates the overall professionalism of the unit.
Strategic Depth and Mentorship Potential
Peat’s value to the Steelers may not be limited to what he can do on the field. His years of experience—over 100 career starts, playoff appearances, and Pro Bowl selections—make him an ideal mentor for younger players. Offensive linemen often take longer to develop than skill position players, and Peat’s insight could be instrumental in helping players like Fautanu and Jones make the leap from potential to production.
Moreover, having a player of Peat’s caliber available provides insurance in case of injuries. Offensive line depth is critical in the NFL, where physical play leads to frequent attrition. The Steelers know that one or two injuries up front can derail an entire offensive game plan. By bringing in Peat, they increase their flexibility and reduce their reliance on unproven depth options.
While it remains to be seen whether Peat will compete for a starting role or be used more as a swing lineman off the bench, his mere presence on the roster improves the unit’s outlook heading into the new season.
2025 Preseason and Regular Season Outlook: Peat’s Place in the Plan
The Steelers will get their first look at Peat in action during the preseason, which begins with a matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars on August 9 at EverBank Stadium. That game will be the first opportunity for the coaching staff to evaluate how Peat fits into their blocking schemes and where he stands in relation to the other linemen on the depth chart.
Following the game against Jacksonville, Pittsburgh will host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Acrisure Stadium on August 16 and then conclude their preseason with a road game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on August 21. These three preseason contests will be crucial in determining whether Peat earns a roster spot, challenges for a starting role, or settles in as a valuable reserve.
Should Peat make the final roster, his first regular-season test with the Steelers will come on September 7, when Pittsburgh travels to East Rutherford, New Jersey, to face the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. Eastern, and all eyes will be on how the offensive line performs, especially if Peat is part of the equation.
Whether he’s starting, rotating in, or mentoring from the sideline, Peat’s contributions could play a meaningful role in shaping Pittsburgh’s offensive success in 2025.
Conclusion: A Veteran Addition with Proven Value
The signing of Andrus Peat by the Pittsburgh Steelers is not merely a move to fill a roster spot—it is a deliberate decision to reinforce an offensive line that features a blend of youth and promise. Peat’s extensive experience, combined with his high-level past performances, provides stability and leadership to a position group that will be vital in protecting the quarterback and establishing the run game.
Coach Mike Tomlin’s acknowledgment of the signing speaks to the importance the organization places on having dependable, professional veterans in the locker room. While Peat may no longer be in his Pro Bowl prime, he brings traits that are essential for any successful team: knowledge, toughness, adaptability, and a proven track record.
As the 2025 season approaches, Peat’s journey continues in Pittsburgh. Whether as a starter, a mentor, or a reliable reserve, his presence on the team reflects the Steelers’ commitment to building a well-rounded and resilient offensive unit. Time will tell how much impact he’ll have on the field, but off the field, his legacy of professionalism and performance already enriches the fabric of the Steelers’ offensive line.
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