Steelers Now
The Pittsburgh Steelers and defensive lineman Derrick Harmon have officially agreed to terms on a rookie contract, according to a report by Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. The four-year contract is worth $17.97 million.
The Steelers selected Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon with the 21st pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Harmon wreaked havoc in opposing backfields for the Ducks, breaking onto the scene by leading the nation in quarterback pressures from the defensive tackle position with 55 in 2024—11 more than the next closest player, who had 44.
Harmon’s pure disruptiveness and versatility as both a run-stopper and pass-rusher are what separate him. He has a twitchy get-off and first step that allows him to quickly engage blockers, as well as the strength and length to shed them. His arsenal includes a variety of finesse and power moves, and he can line up in multiple techniques across the defensive line at a high level.
Interior defensive line was one of Pittsburgh’s biggest needs heading into the draft, especially after losing Larry Ogunjobi and with veteran Cam Heyward nearing the end of his career. Harmon is expected to be an immediate plug-and-play contributor alongside Heyward and Keanu Benton in the Steelers’ three-man front. Yaha Black, a fellow draft pick from Iowa who was selected in the fifth round, is also expected to be in the rotation.
There was some concern after reports of a shoulder injury surfaced, but Harmon has publicly stated that he is completely healthy.
The moment was bittersweet for Harmon, as tragedy struck shortly after his selection. His mother, Tiffany Saine, who had been on life support in a Detroit hospital, passed away shortly after Harmon was drafted.
It’s safe to say that Derrick Henry’s 186-yard performance in the wild-card game left a sour taste in the organization’s mouth. Harmon is another piece in Pittsburgh’s effort to ensure that doesn’t happen again.
Harmon was the final member of the Steelers’ 2025 draft class to sign his rookie deal.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Steelers Sign Derrick Harmon to Rookie Deal
