Steelers Sign Veteran Lineman Andrus Peat, QB Logan Woodside

It’s not every day that the Pittsburgh Steelers make headlines for signing a journeyman quarterback and a Pro Bowl offensive lineman in the same breath, but leave it to them to sprinkle some offseason intrigue. On Thursday, the Steelers reinforced their roster depth with the additions of quarterback Logan Woodside and guard Andrus Peat, both on one-year deals. And while these moves may not shake the AFC North to its core, they certainly set an interesting tone for the preseason.

Logan Woodside’s Journey Back into the AFC North

You know what they say about one team’s trash being another team’s treasure. Okay, maybe that’s too harsh, but Logan Woodside’s tale is definitely one of perseverance. Drafted by the Bengals in the seventh round back in 2018, the former Toledo Rocket didn’t exactly sew his name into the fabric of Cincinnati lore. Zero regular-season appearances during his stint there made him an afterthought in the Queen City. Still, Woodside’s got grit, and now he gets another crack at the AFC North—but this time in black and gold.

For what it’s worth, the 30-year-old QB has had brief flashes of competence in his 13-game NFL career, almost entirely as a backup. With Tennessee (2020-2021) and Atlanta (2022-2023), he completed a passable four of seven attempts for 34 yards and a single pick. Stats that scream, “serviceable camp arm” more than “future starter,” but hey, sometimes it’s about the stories behind the numbers. Steel City fans shouldn’t expect to see much of Woodside however.

Does this move move the needle? Not exactly. However, for a team that’s seen some shaky backup QB play in recent years, having a steady, low-key veteran who knows the underdog grind might come in handy for Steelers coach Mike Tomlin. Plus, when you can add a guy who threw a beautiful 37-yard preseason TD to Jermaine Burton in 2024, you at least know he’s capable of one great moment per season.

Andrus Peat Bolsters an Already Ambitious O-Line

If Logan Woodside feels like a shot in the dark, Andrus Peat is decidedly not. The three-time Pro Bowl left guard brings experience, size (6’7”, 316 pounds!), and pedigree to Pittsburgh’s O-line. Drafted 13th overall by the Saints in 2015, Peat has started 103 games over his career and was instrumental in protecting Drew Brees during New Orleans’ most recent playoff runs.

Peat’s versatility doesn’t hurt either; while he primarily works as a guard, he’s shown the ability to slide wherever needed along the line. For the Steelers, rebuilding the offensive front has been a clear priority this offseason, and adding Peat underscores their commitment to moving forward with a group that can anchor the offense.

At 31 years old, Peat finds himself needing a bit of a career reboot after an up-and-down 2024 season with the Raiders. Injuries over the years have taken some of the shine off his once-dominant form, but if he’s healthy, Peat has the skills to significantly impact a Steelers O-line that’s trending upward. Protecting Aaron Rodgers and paving the way for a ground game led by Jaylen Warren? Not a bad way to springboard into your second decade in the league.

What the Dual Signing Means for Pittsburgh

These signings aren’t exactly Super Bowl-level splashes, but they scream “depth,” and that matters in a division as brutal as the AFC North. Peat is the kind of proven veteran who might stabilize the trenches, while Woodside is more likely to play clipboard captain than crunch-time hero. Both fill needs, albeit in different ways.

The Steelers’ front office isn’t known for making reckless moves, so this feels tactical, prepping for the inevitable grind of a long NFL season. Sure, there might not be a parade in Pittsburgh just yet, but these are the kind of under-the-radar signings that solid teams make to cover all their bases.

Whether Peat becomes an anchor up front again or Woodside earns a few preseason highlight reels is still TBD. But if Pittsburgh’s brain trust is betting on resilience and versatility, they may have found just what they need in this pair of one-year gambles.