Steelers Sign Alabama Guard Chris Owens as UDFA

The Pittsburgh Steelers agreed to sign Alabama guard Chris Owens as an undrafted free agent on Saturday following the 2022 NFL draft. Owens is a 6-foot-3, 305-pound lineman from Arlington, Texas out of Lamar High School.

Owens started 20 games while at Alabama before coming to the Steelers as a UDFA. In addition to guard, he spent time early in his college career as the team’s backup center and reserve tackle. He is a versatile lineman, something the Steelers look for when bringing in help for the offensive line. In fact, 12 of his 20 career starts were at the right tackle position. He also made a start at center in his collegiate career.

The offensive line has been a huge need for the Steelers for several years now and wasn’t addressed in the draft. However, the team has been active in free agency in addressing the need for interior offensive line help. Offensive line help as a whole was a major need entering the off-season and the team has chosen to address it in free agency rather than the draft.

They’ve signed interior lineman James Daniels (three-year, $26.5 million) and Mason Cole (three-year, $15.75 million) as well as extended starting offensive tackle Chukwuma Okorafor (three-year, $29.25 million). The team also signed offensive tackles Jake Dixon and Jordan Tucker as UDFAs following the draft.

Owens will join fellow J.C. Hassenauer as a fellow Alabama grad on the interior of the offensive line. Hassenauer, Cole, John Leglue, and Joe Haeg are currently the team’s four backup linemen.