PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers made a quiet but strategic move on Wednesday, signing free-agent offensive lineman Nick Broeker to a one-year deal, sources confirmed to ESPN on May 22, 2025. While the team continues its pursuit of Aaron Rodgers, this signing focuses on a different need.
Broeker, a 24-year-old interior lineman, joins the Steelers to provide much-needed depth to their offensive line. The 6-foot-5, 305-pound blocker spent the past two seasons with the Houston Texans, appearing in 12 games, including nine during the 2024 season, per NFL.com.
Originally a seventh-round pick by the Buffalo Bills in the 2023 NFL Draft, Broeker failed to make the Bills’ roster out of training camp. He later joined the Texans, where he also contributed on special teams, showcasing his versatility across multiple roles, per The Athletic.
At Ole Miss, Broeker displayed impressive durability, never missing a game over four seasons. His college career highlighted his ability to play both left tackle and guard, a flexibility that could prove valuable as he competes for a spot on Pittsburgh’s 53-man roster, per Steelers Depot.
The Steelers’ offensive line has been a work in progress, and Broeker’s signing fills the void left by Lecitus Smith, who was released on Tuesday. With a unit that struggled in 2024, allowing 41 sacks, Pittsburgh hopes Broeker can add stability, per PFF.
Broeker’s addition comes at a critical time as the Steelers prepare for OTAs. The team’s quarterback situation remains uncertain, with Mason Rudolph and rookie Will Howard currently in the room, while they await a decision from Rodgers. Broeker could find himself protecting one of them in 2025, per CBS Pittsburgh.
Though not a headline-grabbing move, Broeker’s signing aligns with Pittsburgh’s strategy of building depth. “He’s a young guy with potential and toughness,” an unnamed scout told Behind the Steel Curtain. Fans on X echoed the sentiment, with @Blitz_Burgh posting, “Smart pickup! We need all the O-line help we can get!”
With a $32 million cap space, the Steelers can afford to take low-risk chances like this. As Mike Tomlin looks to end the team’s 9-year playoff win drought—highlighted by a 2024 Wild Card loss to the Bills (4-13)—Broeker’s addition might be a small but crucial step forward.
