B.J.

Finney

Finney ended the 2021 season on injured reserve with a back injury and is retiring for medical reasons. He began his career as a practice squad player in Pittsburgh but worked his way onto the active roster by his second season. Playing mostly for the Steelers during his seven-year career, Finney started appeared in 73 games, 15 of which were starts.

Tuitt did not practice at any point in the offseason so this move doesn’t come as much of a surprise. He will miss at least three games, as will running back Anthony McFarland and offensive lineman Zach Banner. They used the three roster spots to sign offensive linemen Rashaad Coward and B.J. Finney and cornerback Arthur Maulet. Tuitt is coming off a career year that saw him hit 11 sacks and 10 TFLs. At 27 years old, Tuitt should still have a few prime years left if he comes off injured reserve unscathed.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Gerry Dulac said the Steelers signed Finney -- who played for Pittsburgh from 2016-2019 -- “possibly as a replacement for retired Maurkice Pouncey.” Finney had been released by the Bengals last week. Thirty in December, Finney doesn’t seem like a long-term solution at center for Pittsburgh. His familiarity with the team made him a natural fit following Pouncey’s shocking retirement.

The move saves $3.3 million against the salary cap. Cincinnati acquired Finney in the trade that sent Carlos Dunlap to Seattle. Finney played just one game for the Bengals in 2020. The Bengals, as usual, are among the teams with the most cap space headed into free agency.

Hart is coming off one of his better seasons, but with the Bengals expected to overhaul their offensive line, he’s unlikely to be back without a pay cut. Cincinnati can save $9.4 million from releasing Hart and OL B.J. Finney.

The Bengals are once again banged up across the offensive line. They have struggled with injuries up front all year and that could be a problem against a rapidly improving Miami defense. Don’t expect much from QB Brandon Allen, especially if the Dolphins are able to turn up the pressure on him.

Tate would be sidelined a minimum of 10 days if he tested positive. Either way, this puts his Week 12 status in jeopardy. The Bengals also placed OL B.J. Finney in COVID protocols.

Signed to a two-year, $8 million deal in March, Finney didn’t win a starting job in Seattle and didn’t play a single offensive snap Weeks 1-7. He has a much better shot at finding playing time in Cincinnati where offensive line is a big weakness. Finney can play guard or center.

This was expected after Seattle gave Finney a two-year, $8 million deal this offseason. Finney and Ethan Pocic have been splitting first-team reps. It’s a weak spot for the Seahawks offensive line.

Finney will be a depth option on the interior for Seattle, but he was complete dust whenever he was on the field in 2019. The 29-year-old has made 13 career starts across four seasons with Pittsburgh after going undrafted out of Kansas State.