The Pittsburgh Steelers bolstered their offensive line depth by signing former seventh-round pick Nick Broeker on Wednesday.
The Steelers confirmed Broeker’s signing through their social media channels and official website, announcing that he has agreed to a one-year contract with the team.
The Buffalo Bills selected Broeker with the 230th overall pick in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
While Broeker was expected to be a late-round pick, many analysts praised him for his consistent and powerful blocking throughout the draft evaluations.
According to Steelers Depot, Nick Broeker excels as a run blocker and is best suited for a man-blocking or Duo scheme that minimizes zone blocking. He’s known for his aggressive playing style and determination, with solid technique overall, though he needs to consistently use his hands effectively inside.
Lance Zierlein from NFL.com described Broeker as having “very strong hands” and noted that he “consistently works to finish his blocks.”
Broeker never appeared in a game for the Bills, as Buffalo released him during the 2023 roster cutdown. However, just one day later, he was signed by the Houston Texans.
During his rookie season with the Texans, Broeker played in three games. In 2024, he was active for nine games.
Steelers Sign Offensive Lineman Nick Broeker
This offseason, the Steelers parted ways with three offensive linemen: left tackle Dan Moore Jr., guard James Daniels, and interior lineman Nate Herbig.
All three linemen started for the Steelers during the 2023-24 season. While Broeker is unlikely to secure a starting spot this fall, his addition helps the Steelers bolster their offensive line depth.
During his 12 games with the Texans, Broeker primarily contributed on special teams. As a rookie, he played 13 special teams snaps, and in the following season, he saw action on special teams for 40 snaps.
In addition to his special teams role, Broeker took part in nine offensive snaps over 12 games with Houston, with six of those snaps occurring last season.
Broeker played four years at Ole Miss, starting his college career as an offensive tackle before successfully transitioning to the guard position.
Chris Adamski of TribLive.com noted, “Broeker was an All-SEC guard during his senior year at Ole Miss in 2022, having started his college career as a tackle. In the pros, he has played both positions, though most of his experience has come in preseason games.”
Broeker has only logged nine snaps on offense during regular-season games but has seen significant action on special teams.
Steelers Offensive Line Depth Entering 2025 OTAs
The Steelers brought in Broeker just ahead of the start of their offseason workouts scheduled for next week.
At the upcoming workouts, Broeker is expected to compete with Spencer Anderson, Max Scharping, Aiden Williams, Ryan McCollum, and Steven Jones for backup spots on the Steelers’ interior offensive line.
Second-round pick Zach Frazier, who impressed in his rookie season, is set to return as Pittsburgh’s starting center. Isaac Seumalo and Mason McCormick are projected to start at the guard positions.
Broderick Jones and Troy Fautua, both former first-round picks, are expected to start at the tackle positions for the Steelers. However, the players who will provide crucial depth behind these five starters remain unclear.
With Calvin Anderson, Dylan Cook, Doug Nester, and Gareth Warren also on the Steelers’ offseason roster, Broeker will likely be competing against nine other offensive linemen for just two or three backup spots.
Following the addition of Broeker, the Steelers still have one remaining roster spot to fill this offseason.
