Steelers Now
The Pittsburgh Steelers and outside linebacker Jack Sawyer have officially agreed to terms on a rookie contract.
The Steelers selected Ohio State edge rusher Jack Sawyer with the 123rd overall pick in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. A tenacious player, Sawyer was the unquestioned leader of the Ohio State defense that captured a national championship.
He cemented his place in Buckeye history during the Cotton Bowl, when he strip-sacked former Texas—and current Miami—quarterback Quinn Ewers and returned the fumble 83 yards for a touchdown.
In his senior season, Sawyer recorded 23 tackles, nine sacks, and five tackles for loss.
Sawyer is best known for his elite athleticism, physicality, and relentless motor, which helped set the tone for the Buckeye defense. Throughout his college career, he developed into a more refined pass rusher. While he initially relied on raw athleticism, he later sharpened his technique—improving his rip and swim moves, bend, and overall ability to disrupt quarterbacks.
He will reunite in Pittsburgh with former Ohio State teammate and fellow draft pick Will Howard, as both bring a championship pedigree that head coach Mike Tomlin and general manager Omar Khan have praised.
Sawyer enters an already deep room of edge rushers that includes T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, and Nick Herbig. However, his versatility—honed in Ohio State’s four-man front—may earn him reps with his hand in the dirt. Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin will have tough choices to make as he looks to deploy a crowded and talented front seven.
Specific details of Sawyer’s contract have not been disclosed, but according to OverTheCap.com, the deal is projected to be worth $5.1 million with a $950,000 signing bonus.
Sawyer is the third Steelers rookie to sign his deal, joining a 2025 draft class loaded with defensive talent—especially in the front seven
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Steelers Agree to Terms with Ohio State Edge Rusher
