The Pittsburgh Steelers had a very successful draft in 2025 as the team addressed many needs while also accruing some good value on the draft board. The organization spent its first-round pick on defensive tackle Derrick Harmon, and then addressed the defensive line again when selecting Yahya Black. The franchise showed its love for championship pedigree as well when drafting Jack Sawyer and Will Howard, and added explosive running back Kaleb Johnson.
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Former Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon looks on during a game in college.
Pittsburgh got a lot done in the actual draft, but teams always look to find some gems after the event ends. The Steelers have found some great undrafted free agents throughout the franchise's history, including players like James Harrison and Jaylen Warren. Pittsburgh got to work after the draft ended and managed to ink a record-breaking deal with tight end DJ Thomas-Jones out of South Alabama.
Former South Alabama TE DJ Thomas-Jones is signing with the #Steelers on a deal that includes a $30,000 signing bonus, the largest they've given to a non-QB undrafted free agent, per his agency @gcsportsmgmt.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 26, 2025
The $30,000 signing bonus on Thomas-Jones' deal is the largest signing bonus given to a non-quarterback undrafted free agent in the team's history, which shows just how important it was for the franchise to land the tight end. He will be able to compete for a roster spot up until the start of the regular season as he joins a crowded tight end room.
Scott Donaldson / South Alabama Athletics
Steelers' DJ Thomas-Jones during his time in college at South Alabama.
Thomas-Jones spent five seasons in college, but he didn't receive major playing time until the 2022 season. He was not a big-play threat throughout his career as he never eclipsed 30 catches in a season, and his season high for yards was 235. He didn't produce as much as a lot of the tight ends that make it to the NFL, but he is an impactful player as a blocking tight end.
Pittsburgh's tight end has a clear cut top-two, as Pat Freiermuth is the starter with Darnell Washington right behind him. Connor Heyward is also a tight end, but he plays some fullback as well. Pittsburgh also signed Donald Parham Jr. during the 2025 NFL Draft. Pittsburgh kept four tight ends on the final roster in 2024, and there will likely be a competition amongst Heyward, Parham, and Thomas-Jones for those final two roster spots.
Heyward provides some versatility as he can play special teams and is effective as a fullback, but it seems like that is a role that could be filled by Thomas-Jones. Heyward was under fire many times throughout the 2024 season, and he only has one year remaining on his rookie deal. He could be a cut-candidate towards the end of training camp, with Thomas-Jones potentially filling his shoes.
Chris Day / The Commercial Appeal
Steelers' Roc Taylor during his collegiate career at Memphis.
Steelers Continued To Add To The Offensive Side Of The Ball After The Draft
Thomas-Jones was not the only offensive weapon Pittsburgh added after the draft ended. The organization also signed wide receiver Roc Taylor to a deal, and he will be competing for a spot on the roster. Taylor is 6'3, 215 pounds and is primarily considered an outside wide receiver. He is a big-play threat as he tallied over 2,000 receiving yards over his final two seasons in college.
According to a report from NFL analyst Lance Zierlein, Taylor will be able to come down with some contested catches, but he needs to work on getting separation from defenders. This is something the Pittsburgh coaching staff will look to get Taylor better at, and if he can improve in this area he may have a chance at making the final roster in Pittsburgh.
The Steelers will continue to look for quality undrafted free agents now that the draft has ended, and the organization will likely revisit the current free agent pool with a better idea of what its roster will look like.
What do you think of the undrafted free agent signing? Let us know in the comments below!
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