B.J. Finney continued to show how valuable he is to the Steelers offensive line this season, and he will have the ability to show that again next season as he signed a one-year extension. Finney was scheduled to become an exclusive rights free agent when the new league year begins in March.
"Being here in Pittsburgh one more year is always a plus," said Finney. "I am excited about it. I love the city, I love playing for the Rooney family, Coach (Mike) Tomlin, and Coach (Mike) Munchak. What is there not to love about it? The city's diehard fans, always coming to the games. You can't get a better organization than what the Rooney family has built. Coach Tomlin being a player's coach, laying everything out. Coach Munchak, a Hall of Fame player and one of the best coaches I have played under. What is there not to love?"
Finney, who will be entering his third season, played in 27 games in two seasons, starting seven of them. In 2017 he started four games, a career-high, one as a blocking tight end, two at left guard when Ramon Foster was injured, and one at center when he started against the Browns in the season finale when Maurkice Pouncey was rested. He was part of an offensive line that gave up just 24 sacks, which was tied for third fewest in the NFL this year.
Finney started against Kansas City and Houston, two games where the Steelers offensive line was named the Built Ford Tough Offensive Line of the Week.
The offense put up 439 yards in the 19-13 win over the Chiefs, who at the time were undefeated, and dominated time of possession, 36:39 to 21:21. Le'Veon Bell carried the ball 32 carries for 179 yards, his second 100-yard game of the season.
Against the Texans, a 34-6 Christmas day win, the offense averaged 5.7 yards per play and scored on all six trips into the red zone. The line kept Ben Roethlisberger from being sacked or hit, despite going against Jadeveon Clowney.
"Personally I saw a lot of growth in my play, just from having the experience and building off of it," said Finney. "The huge growth was a credit to Coach Munchak and the older veterans, like Maurkice Pouncey and Ramon Foster, just bringing me along and helping me develop my game. It's a huge credit to those guys.
"From the sounds of what I have been told by other guys, our offensive line room is probably the most unique room in the NFL. We are always joking, laughing and having a good time, but when it comes to business, we handle our business, take pride in our business. We want to be the best. Coach Munchak demands that from us. We just want to go out and play well and play for another ring."
Finney originally signed with the Steelers as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2015. He spent the majority of the season on the practice squad, before making the 53-man roster in 2016.
