Cowboys claim OL Nick Broeker off waivers after release from Steelers

The Dallas Cowboys have signed offensive lineman Nick Broeker off waivers, per Dallas Morning News‘ Calvin Watkins. The Pittsburgh Steelers released Broeker yesterday. He is entering his third season in the NFL.

The Buffalo Bills selected Broeker with the No. 230 overall pick in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He played in the Bills’ first two preseason games that year, but didn’t make the team’s 53-man roster and was waived on August 29, 2023.

From there, Broeker was claimed off waivers by the Houston Texans. He spent two seasons with the team before being waived. He signed a one-year deal with Steelers in May, but was released on Thursday.

Now, Broeker will look to find a home in the cut-throat league once again. Broeker played four seasons (2019-22) at Ole Miss before moving onto the NFL. Broeker was a three-year starter for the Rebels and never missed a game in his four year with the program.

In total, he appeared in 48 career contests. He was a two-time All-SEC selection and a 2022 Second-Team All-American. In 2022, Broeker also won the Kent Hull Trophy, which is annually awarded to the best offensive lineman in the state of Mississippi.

The Cowboys decided to claim Nick Broeker off waivers after placing offensive lineman Dakoda Shepley on injured reserve. Shepley has been with the Cowboys since 2023. He made three appearances for the team last season and was competing for a reserve spot this offseason before suffering a high-grade ankle sprain.

Broeker will look to fill the hole left by Shepley. While Broeker hasn’t found a niche yet at the next level, when NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein analyzed the standout offensive lineman’s game ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft, he was optimistic Broeker could carve out a role in the league.

“Guard prospect with average size who has the ability to punch above his weight as a run blocker,” Zierlein wrote. “Broeker is limited as a move blocker but thrives when firing out and running his feet through contact to open lanes. He has very strong hands and consistently works to finish his blocks.

“His hand usage and inconsistent body control land his pass protection a few notches below his run blocking and those issues will take time to clean up. Broeker is a below-average athlete with above-average play strength and has the talent to become a starting guard in a downhill run scheme.”