Steelers sign three more picks from 2026 draft class

Key Points:

• Three more Steelers rookies from the 2026 draft class—cornerback Daylen Everett, guard Gennings Dunker, and fullback Riley Nowakowski—have signed their rookie contracts.
• These signings bring the total number of drafted players under contract to six, including wide receiver Kaden Wetjen, offensive tackle Gabriel Rubio, and safety Robert Spears-Jennings.
• Remaining unsigned rookies include first-round offensive tackle Max Iheanachor, second-round wide receiver Germie Bernard, third-round quarterback Drew Allar, and seventh-round running back Eli Heidenreich.
• There is a growing trend of NFL teams signing draft picks before minicamp begins to ensure players have full contract protections rather than just letters of protection during practice.
• Letters of protection allow unsigned rookies to practice but only guarantee contract terms if a serious injury occurs, making signed contracts the preferred form of security for both players and teams.