Steelers Sign 1st-Round Pick Derrick Harmon, Rookie Willing to Take Less Just to Be a Steeler

The Pittsburgh Steelers have officially signed first-round draft pick Derrick Harmon to a four-year rookie deal, locking in a major piece of their defensive future. But what’s turning heads even more than the $17.97 million fully guaranteed contract? Harmon's attitude.

“I’ll take a pay cut someday if I have to — just to keep being part of this organization,” Harmon said in his post-signing interview.
“This place is different. It feels like home.”

Selected 21st overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, Harmon comes to Pittsburgh after a breakout season at Oregon, where he recorded 45 tackles, five sacks, and two forced fumbles. Before that, he spent three years developing at Michigan State, earning a reputation as a hard-nosed, technically sound interior lineman.

Head coach Mike Tomlin has already gone on record saying Harmon “has Steeler DNA,” praising the rookie’s mindset, toughness, and quiet leadership. At 6’5”, 315 pounds, Harmon is expected to rotate early at defensive tackle, with a chance to earn starting snaps alongside veterans Cam Heyward and Keeanu Benton.

“He’s not just talented — he’s grounded,” said defensive coordinator Teryl Austin. “That combination lasts in this league.”

With his rookie contract fully guaranteed and a signing bonus north of $9.7 million, Harmon has financial security — but clearly, he’s not chasing the money.

“I didn’t grow up dreaming of contracts,” Harmon added. “I dreamed of making plays in a Steelers uniform. Everything else is secondary.”

Entire draft class signed and ready

With Harmon now under contract, the Steelers have signed all members of their 2025 draft class — a group that also includes LB Curtis Jacobs, CB Jaden Hicks, and QB Will Howard.

As rookie minicamp begins, all eyes will be on Harmon’s integration into a defensive unit that has long prided itself on consistency, physicality, and character. Based on early signs, the 21-year-old is ready to carry that torch.

And if his first press conference is any indication, Derrick Harmon may already understand something many veterans still struggle with:

In Pittsburgh, culture matters more than cash.