The Steelers suffered their third free agent loss in less than 24 hours when offensive lineman B.J. Finney agreed to a two-year deal with the Seahawks at $8 million and worth as much as $9.5 million with incentives.
The loss of Finney comes one day after starting left guard Ramon Foster announced his retirement. Finney had been considered a potential replacement for Foster.
An undrafted rookie out of Kansas State, Finney appeared in 59 career games with the Steelers, making 13 starts. Four of those starts came in 2019, when he played three games at center in place of Maurkice Pouncey and one in place of Foster.
Finney's versatility was valuable to the Steelers, who now not only have a hole at left guard, but at backup center, as well. The Steelers were 11-2 in games started by Finney in his career.
With Finney moving on, the Steelers likely will move right tackle Matt Feiler to left guard and allow Zach Banner and Chuks Okorafor to battle for the starting right tackle position.
Banner agreed to a one-year deal worth $1.75 million on Tuesday, keeping the restricted free agent with the Steelers. Feiler also is a restricted free agent and is expected to be tendered an offer on Wednesday before 4 p.m. when the new league year begins.
With Finney gone, the only other center on the Steelers' roster is former undrafted rookie J.C. Hassenauer. Hassenauer initially signed with the Falcons last season but was released before the Steelers signed him to their practice squad.
Finney joins nose tackle Javon Hargrave and linebacker Tyler Matakevich as players who have agreed to deals elsewhere since the legal tampering period began Monday. Hargrave is leaving to join the Eagles. Matakevich agreed to terms earlier in the day to sign with the Bills.
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