The Pittsburgh Steelers have made franchise history with their signing of former South Alabama tight end/fullback hybrid DJ Thomas-Jones, one of eight undrafted free agents added to the roster. Thomas-Jones’s contract, which includes $30,000 in guaranteed money, marks the largest guarantee the Steelers have ever offered a non-quarterback undrafted rookie in team history.
Thomas-Jones fills a critical need at fullback after the Steelers were unsuccessful in adding a fullback during free agency. The team had previously attempted to sign All-Pro Kyle Juszczyk following his release, but he ultimately re-signed with the San Francisco 49ers.
Standing at 6’1” and weighing 250 pounds, Thomas-Jones clocked a 4.63-second 40-yard dash at his pro day. With veteran MyCole Pruitt still unsigned, Thomas-Jones is poised to step into the Steelers’ fullback role and compete with Connor Heyward and Donald Parham for depth chart positioning.
During his 2023 senior season at South Alabama, Thomas-Jones recorded 22 catches for 191 yards and three touchdowns, highlighted by a five-reception, 59-yard performance against Texas State. A Mobile native, he began his collegiate career at Ole Miss before transferring to South Alabama, where he started at tight end and transitioned to a dual fullback role beginning in his sophomore year. While he surpassed 200 receiving yards in both his sophomore and junior seasons, his production dipped slightly during his final year.
Thomas-Jones now returns to his hometown team aiming to carve out a niche in Pittsburgh’s offense as the Steelers continue offseason preparations.