Former Duke Blue Devils running back Mataeo Durant makes undrafted free agency decision

Another undrafted rookie free agent from the 2022 NFL Draft has found a new home. According to Pro Football Networks Aaron Wilson, former Duke Blue Devils running back Mataeo Durant is signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers, per his source.

Wilson also added that Durant’s new deal with the Steelers will be one for Pittsburgh history books.

“Pittsburgh Steelers have done their largest undrafted free agent running back contract in franchise history with a $15,000 signing bonus for @real_durant. Deal was negotiated by @AgentGrady_. Steelers longtime policy is to not do base salary guarantees for UDFAs, just signing bonus,” wrote Wilson via Twitter.

Durant spent his entire collegiate career at Duke after joining their program in 2017. The six-foot-one running back from Plum Branch, S.C, was the definition of consistency while a Blue Devil. Durant only missed four of his 44 games during his tenure at Duke. However, he only started in 12 of those 44 games. Durant’s career with the Blue Devils ended with him rushing for 2562 yards on 489 rushes with 18 rushing touchdowns. He also caught 55 passes for 488 yards with four receiving touchdowns.

Heyward brothers united by Steelers draft pick

The Steelers are no strangers to having pairs of brothers on their team, as the Heyward brothers are now the third pair on their current roster. TJ Watt and brother Derek Watt, as well as Terrell Edmunds and Trey Edmunds — both are brothers that share the Pittsburgh locker room. One small difference is the other brothers have a third brother on another NFL team — JJ Watt and Tremaine Edmunds.

The NFL has roughly 1,700 active players on their rosters, and having a pair of brothers in that elite club is strange enough. The Steelers having two pairs before selecting Connor Heyward led to NFL Network asking Cameron Heyward what it would mean to him if the Steelers took his brother.

“If he’s drafted by the Steelers, all hell’s gonna break loose,” joked Heyward. “I’m gonna have a lot of fun with him. And my mom’s gonna hate me for that — but if he did, I would be very excited.”

Outside of the guaranteed teasing and big brother bullying that will be waiting for him in Pittsburgh, not many players joining the NFL can rely on that strong of a support network to get them started on the right foot. Connor Heyward will likely hit the ground running with his brother’s mentorship, and the Steelers are hoping they’ve found another potential starter in the family.