The Pittsburgh Steelers have made a strategic move by signing offensive lineman Doug Nester to a Reserve/Future contract. Nester, an undrafted free agent from West Virginia, brings versatility and experience to the team. Despite spending the entire 2024 season on the practice squad, Nester's potential and adaptability position him as a valuable asset for the upcoming season. The Steelers are expected to announce more Reserve/Future deals in the coming days, indicating their focus on strengthening depth across the roster.
Building Depth with Undrafted Talent
Nester's journey highlights the Steelers' commitment to nurturing undrafted talent. After transferring from Virginia Tech to West Virginia, he accumulated 52 college starts, showcasing his ability to excel at both guard and tackle positions. Standing at 6'6" and weighing 308 pounds, Nester demonstrated solid athleticism during his Pro Day, running a 5.35 40-yard dash and performing 19 bench press repetitions. His time with the Minnesota Vikings provided valuable preseason experience, logging 51 snaps at right tackle.
Nester spent the entire 2024 season on the Steelers' practice squad, contributing significantly to the scout team despite not being elevated to the active roster. His presence added depth to a line that faced multiple injuries early in the season. Although he remains a long shot for a permanent roster spot, his versatility positions him well for competition during training camp. The Steelers' decision to sign Nester reflects their strategy of investing in versatile players who can adapt to various roles.
Aiming for Stability Amidst Roster Changes
The Steelers face significant changes in their offensive line, with pending free agents James Daniels and Dan Moore Jr. likely to depart. This creates opportunities for players like Nester to prove their worth. Nate Herbig, another center/guard option, is also a pending free agent but has a higher chance of returning after spending the 2024 season on injured reserve. The team's focus on securing players through Reserve/Future contracts underscores their preparation for these transitions.
By signing Nester and potentially other practice squad members, the Steelers aim to maintain stability and depth heading into the offseason. The upcoming weeks will see more announcements regarding Reserve/Future deals, including both internal and external signings. Players recently tried out by the team may also rejoin, adding further competition and depth. Overall, the Steelers are positioning themselves for a strong training camp and beyond, leveraging versatile talent like Nester to address potential roster gaps.