Welcome to the Steelers- Andrus Peat.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have added some offensive line help to their roster as they gear up for the 2025 NFL preseason, signing veteran offensive lineman Andrus Peat to a one-year deal. Peat, a former first-round draft pick and three-time Pro Bowler, brings a wealth of experience and versatility to a Steelers offensive line that faces significant expectations this season—largely due to the presence of newly acquired quarterback Aaron Rodgers. This move signals Pittsburgh’s intent to shore up its depth on the offensive line unit with proven, adaptable talent, reflecting the Steelers goal to have pieces in place in what could be Rodgers’ final campaign.
Before arriving in the NFL, Andrus Peat was a blue-chip recruit with elite athleticism that led to national attention. Growing up in Chandler, Arizona, and starring at Corona del Sol High School, Peat was considered one of the nation’s top offensive tackle prospects. As a high school senior, he led his basketball team to a Division 1 state championship and competed in track and field—as a shot putter and discus thrower—which further showcased his rare athleticism for a lineman.
Peat’s college choice was as competitive as his recruiting ranking. After receiving more than 35 scholarship offers, he committed to Stanford, where he would play from 2012 through 2014. At Stanford, Peat quickly established himself as a force on the offensive line. He played 13 games as a true freshman and started all 14 games as a sophomore at left tackle—a testament not only to his talent but also to his work ethic and football IQ. By his junior year, he emerged as one of the best offensive linemen in college football, winning the prestigious Morris Trophy (awarded to the Pac-12’s top offensive lineman as voted on by opposing players) and being named a first-team All-American.
Stanford’s ground attack and pass protection statistics improved substantially with Peat anchoring the line. In his sophomore season, the Cardinal ranked seventh nationally in tackles for loss allowed and 11th in sacks allowed. As a junior, Peat’s line ranked 18th in tackles for loss allowed and 42nd in sacks allowed—a crucial factor as Stanford remained a perennial Top 25 program during his tenure. Peat's collegiate accolades and on-field impact made him a natural candidate to leave school early and enter the NFL draft after just three seasons
At the 2015 NFL Combine, his size and fluid movements gained the NFL’s attention.His official pre-draft measurements were 6-foot-7, 313 pounds, with 34⅜-inch arms and a 5.18-second 40-yard dash, elite numbers for a projected left tackle.
The New Orleans Saints made Peat the 13th overall pick in the first round, banking on his pedigree to protect future Hall-of-Famer Drew Brees and anchor their offensive front. Peat began his Saints career primarily at left guard but also logged time at both tackle spots. His rookie season saw him start eight times over 12 games, often rotating according to team needs and injury contingencies. While Peat experienced the expected learning curve, the Saints’ coaching staff consistently lauded his adaptability and work ethic. Over the next several seasons, Peat solidified his starting role, particularly as New Orleans began using him inside at guard and occasionally at left tackle when injuries arose.
Peat’s prime years came between 2018 and 2020, when he earned three straight Pro Bowl selections as the Saints’ primary left guard. The Saints’ decision to slide him to guard, despite his college tackle background, proved to be a turning point in his career: he became a key cog in an offensive line that consistently ranked as one of the NFL’s best in run blocking and allowed Brees to set efficiency records as a pocket passer.
During his New Orleans tenure (2015–2023), Peat appeared in 111 games and started 102, demonstrating both durability and versatility when healthy. The team rewarded him with a five-year, $57.5 million contract extension in 2020, reflecting his status as one of the NFC’s top interior linemen. His ability to flip out to tackle in emergencies, most notably in 2023, when he started 12 games at left tackle filling in for Trevor Penning, reaffirmed his value as a rare multi-positional lineman who could anchor either position with competence.
If there was a limiting factor during Peat’s otherwise strong New Orleans run, it was a recurring battle with injuries. He missed 17 games across the 2021 and 2022 seasons, including stints on injured reserve with a broken fibula, high-ankle sprain, and a torn pectoral muscle. These setbacks forced the Saints to reevaluate their long-term O-line strategy, and after the 2023 campaign, both sides agreed to part ways. While New Orleans was reportedly open to bringing him back, Peat ultimately opted for a fresh start elsewhere, seeking a situation with greater opportunity and a change of scenery.
Upon entering free agency in 2024, Peat signed a one-year, $2 million deal with the Las Vegas Raiders. The move appeared to position him as a candidate to compete for a starting spot along the Raiders’ offensive line, either at left guard, a natural fit given his Pro Bowl pedigree, or as a swing tackle with starting potential. However, Peat was limited largely to a reserve role with Las Vegas, appearing in 15 games but logging only 57 offensive snaps, the lowest single-season total of his career. He made just one start and was largely used in jumbo packages or as injury relief.
To make room on the 91-man roster, the Steelers released guard Nick Broeker and long snapper Tucker Addington, moves reflecting both positional need and the value of Peat’s versatility. Pittsburgh’s offensive line had been dealing with mounting injuries, especially among backup tackles. Calvin Anderson, a key reserve, had missed several days of practice due to injury, while rookie Gareth Warren was also limited. Starting left tackle Broderick Jones was returning from a groin injury. With such attrition, Peat’s ability to play both guard and tackle immediately increased his value for the Steelers’ training camp and beyond.
(photo courtesy of Forbes)