The Pittsburgh Steelers front office has been working the phones and the printer all week long. On Saturday, May 9, 2026, the team officially signed two more draft picks and one undrafted free agent, bringing their rookie class closer to full membership.
According to reports from PennLive.com, the Steelers inked offensive guard Gennings Dunker and cornerback Daylen Everette to their rookie contracts. A third draft pick also signed, though the name was not immediately specified in the initial report. Meanwhile, Steelers Wire confirmed that the team also signed undrafted free agent safety Robert Spears-Jennings during rookie minicamp on the same day.
For a team that entered the 2026 NFL Draft with a massive class -- the result of compensatory picks and smart trade-downs by general manager Omar Khan -- these signings represent the continued assembly of what could be a franchise-defining group of young players.
Let's break down each signing, what it means for the roster, and where the Steelers stand now as rookie minicamp unfolds.
Daylen Everette: A Cornerback with Starting Tools
The Steelers made Daylen Everette a priority on Day 2 of the draft, and now he's officially under contract. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound cornerback out of Georgia was widely considered one of the more polished press-man corners in this class. He brings length, physicality at the line of scrimmage, and the kind of confidence that defensive coordinator Patrick Graham values in his secondary.
Everette joins a cornerback room that is suddenly looking quite deep and versatile. With Jalen Ramsey and Joey Porter Jr. holding down the outside spots, and Jamel Dean and Asante Samuel Jr. providing veteran depth, Everette doesn't need to start right away. But his skill set suggests he could compete for the nickel role or develop as a long-term replacement if the Steelers move on from any of their veteran corners after this season.
What stands out about Everette on film is his ability to reroute receivers at the line and his ball skills in contested catch situations. He recorded multiple pass breakups in Georgia's biggest games and showed he can hang with SEC speed. In Pittsburgh's scheme, which asks corners to play with physicality and trust their safety help over the top, Everette looks like a natural fit.
The signing also completes the team's cornerback draft strategy. The Steelers entered the draft needing young, cost-controlled talent at the position. By landing Everette, they now have a developmental piece who can be groomed behind a strong veteran group.
Gennings Dunker: Adding Grit to the Interior
Gennings Dunker's path to the NFL is a story of versatility and toughness. The offensive guard out of Toledo (with prior stops at Youngstown State and Auburn) started games at both guard spots and even some center during his collegiate career. That kind of flexibility is exactly what offensive line coaches covet.
The Steelers' interior offensive line is in a state of transition. Zach Frazier has established himself as a quality starting center, and Mason McCormick showed promise as a rookie last season. But behind them, the depth chart features several unproven players. Dunker enters a competition with Spencer Anderson, Sataoa Laumea, and Steven Jones for a roster spot and potentially a backup role.
Dunker's calling card is his run-blocking pop. He plays with a nasty streak, consistently driving defenders off the ball in the run game. The Steelers want to establish a physical rushing identity under head coach Mike McCarthy and offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio, and Dunker fits that mentality.
He needs to clean up his pass protection technique -- especially against quick interior rushers -- but as a mid-to-late-round pick, the upside is real. Getting him signed early allows him to absorb the playbook during rookie minicamp and OTAs, which could accelerate his development.
Robert Spears-Jennings: Small-School Speed with Big-Time Potential
The Steelers have a long history of finding undrafted gems, and Robert Spears-Jennings might be the latest name to watch. The safety out of a smaller program signed with Pittsburgh during rookie minicamp on May 9, and the team is reportedly excited about what he brings to the table.
Spears-Jennings is, by all accounts, lightning fast. His timed speed in the 40-yard dash caught the attention of scouts during his pro day, and the Steelers moved quickly to bring him into the fold. In a defensive backfield that already includes Jaquan Brisker, DeShon Elliott, and Sebastian Castro, depth at safety is always a priority.
What's interesting about Spears-Jennings is his projected role. At sub-200 pounds with true track speed, he projects as a center fielder-type safety who can cover ground in the deep half. Special teams could be his quickest path to a roster spot, but if he shows instincts and ball production during camp, he could push for a place on the 53-man roster.
The Steelers' safety room is experienced but not necessarily deep. Brisker is the star, Elliott is the enforcer, and Castro offers versatility. Behind them, Spears-Jennings and Jack Henderson will battle for the final spots. The fact that Spears-Jennings signed during minicamp -- rather than waiting for a tryout invitation -- suggests the Steelers saw enough to invest a contract immediately.
Putting the Class Together
The Steelers entered the 2026 offseason with one of the largest draft classes in the league, and the signings are coming in waves. Earlier in the week, the team locked in wide receiver Kaden Wetjen and two other picks. Now, Dunker and Everette join that group as officially under contract.
As of this writing, the only major remaining unsigned draft pick is likely a Day 3 selection or two. Given the Steelers' track record under Khan, expect those deals to wrap up within the next few days.
The real story here is the sheer volume of talent arriving in Pittsburgh. With a roster that still features stars like T.J. Watt, Cameron Heyward, and DK Metcalf, the Steelers are threading the needle between competing now and building for the future. Adding cost-controlled rookies who can contribute on special teams and develop into starters is how successful teams sustain success.
What's Next?
Rookie minicamp is the first real taste of NFL life for these players. For Dunker, Everette, and Spears-Jennings, the next few weeks will be about learning the playbook, adjusting to the speed of the pro game, and making an impression on the coaching staff.
The Steelers will hold OTAs later this month, followed by mandatory minicamp in June. That's where roster battles begin to take shape. Everette will compete for reps in the secondary, Dunker will try to carve out a role on the offensive line, and Spears-Jennings will try to prove he belongs in an NFL defensive backfield.
For a team that has made the playoffs in back-to-back seasons but has yet to break through to the Super Bowl, developing these rookies is essential. The front office has assembled the talent. Now it's up to the players to turn potential into production.
As the ink dries on these contracts, one thing is clear: the Pittsburgh Steelers are reloading -- not rebuilding. And this rookie class is a big reason why.