The Pittsburgh Steelers continued their methodical march through the 2026 rookie signing season on Monday, inking a pair of draft selections to their first NFL contracts. Wide receiver Germie Bernard and running back Eli Heidenreich both signed their deals, leaving just one member of the team's 2026 draft class without a contract.
The moves, reported by ProFootballTalk on NBCSports.com and confirmed by team sources, come as the Steelers wrap up their offseason workout program and begin looking toward training camp. With the bulk of their rookie class now locked in, the organization can focus on integrating these new pieces into what is shaping up to be a dramatically different-looking roster in Pittsburgh.
Building Out the Offensive Depth Chart
Bernard and Heidenreich represent two distinct offensive skill positions but share a common thread: both add depth and schematic versatility to a unit undergoing significant change under head coach Mike McCarthy and offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio.
The Steelers' wide receiver room is now crowded with proven veterans and intriguing young options. Bernard joins a group headlined by DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr., two established alpha receivers who immediately elevate the floor of the passing game. Behind them, the Steelers have A.T. Perry, Ben Skowronek, Roman Wilson, Cole Burgess, Brandon Smith, Brandon Johnson, and Kaden Wetjen all competing for snaps.
Bernard's skill set projects well in an offense that values size at the catch point and yards after contact. At a listed 6-foot-1 and 210 pounds, he brings a physical presence to the slot or the boundary. With Metcalf and Pittman commanding defensive attention on the outside, Bernard could carve out a role as a third-down option or a red-zone target early in his career. Special teams contributions will also be key for him to earn a roster spot out of camp.
The backfield addition of Heidenreich adds another layer to a running back room that already features Rico Dowdle as the lead back, along with Jaylen Warren, Kaleb Johnson, Travis Homer, Lew Nichols, and Max Hurleman. Heidenreich will have to battle for touches, but his versatility as a receiver out of the backfield fits the modern NFL. In an offense likely to lean on play-action and quick-game concepts under Angelichio, backs who can catch and create in space are valuable commodities.
Heidenreich's path to the 53-man roster almost certainly runs through special teams. With Dowdle and Warren firmly entrenched as the top two backs, and Johnson providing a change-of-pace option, Heidenreich will need to show he can contribute on coverage units or as a returner to crack the gameday lineup.
The Last Man Standing
With Bernard and Heidenreich signed, the Steelers have just one unsigned draft pick remaining: offensive tackle Max Iheanachor, their first-round selection. It is not uncommon for first-round picks to take slightly longer to sign, as their contract parameters--including the fifth-year option and guaranteed structure--require more negotiation than middle-round selections.
The Steelers have already demonstrated their ability to get deals done efficiently with their other rookies, so there is no reason to believe Iheanachor's signing is anything more than a matter of process. He is the most important addition in the class, projected to compete immediately for a starting job at right tackle or to provide depth behind Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu. Getting him into the building for training camp will be a top priority for general manager Omar Khan.
What This Means for the Bigger Picture
The Steelers have undergone a significant transformation over the past two offseasons. The arrival of Mike McCarthy as head coach marked a philosophical shift toward an offense built around vertical passing and aggressive play-calling. The additions of Metcalf and Pittman--both through significant trades and contract restructures--signaled that Pittsburgh is all-in on winning now.
Quarterback Will Howard enters his second season as the starter, and the Steelers have surrounded him with weapons. The offensive line, anchored by center Zach Frazier and featuring first-round talents in Fautanu and Iheanachor, looks to be trending upward. The running game with Dowdle and Warren gives the offense balance.
Defensively, the Steelers remain formidable under defensive coordinator Patrick Graham. With T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, and Nick Herbig rushing off the edge, and a secondary that now includes Jalen Ramsey, Joey Porter Jr., and Jaquan Brisker, this unit should keep Pittsburgh in games even when the offense struggles.
The signing of Bernard and Heidenreich is a procedural step, but it is also a sign that the machine is humming. The front office is organized. The coaching staff has a clear direction. And the roster is being built with intention.
For Bernard and Heidenreich, the real work begins now. They will report to training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe with the same goal as every rookie: prove they belong. For the Steelers, the hope is that one or both can develop into contributors who help this team compete for an AFC North title and beyond.
The countdown to camp is on. With only one draft pick left to sign, the Steelers are just about ready to go to war with the roster they've built.