Steelers Sign Two More Draft Picks Monday

The Pittsburgh Steelers signed two more draft picks Monday, inking second round WR Germie Bernard and RB/WR Eli Heidenreich to their four-year rookie deals. Both signed their deals hours after the team’s first OTA practice.

It leaves QB Drew Allar, a third-round pick, as the team’s only unsigned rookie.

The Steelers traded up seven spots from No. 53 to No. 47 to select Bernard to upgrade their passing game.

Bernard’s rookie deal will pay him roughly $10.6 million over the length of the deal. Approximately $4.2 million of that comes as a signing bonus. It’s not clear if Bernard’s deal is fully guaranteed, but it’s a strong possibility after the 48th overall pick, Atlanta Falcons CB Avieon Terrell, had his contract 100 percent guaranteed. 

A refined player coming out of college, Bernard enjoyed two strong seasons with the Crimson Tide. Combined, he caught 114 passes for 1,656 yards, and 9 touchdowns. Bernard began his career at Michigan State and transferred to Washington for 2023 before again entering the portal and committing to Alabama in 2024.

On tape, Bernard runs crisp routes, knows how to beat zone coverage, and is a willing blocker. Alabama creatively used him all over the formation, including giving him touches as a runner. Mike McCarthy will aim to take advantage of Bernard’s versatile skill set. Bernard will have to show he can consistently win against man coverage, an issue that’s plagued Pittsburgh’s passing game for several seasons.

He’ll have the inside track on opening the season as the Steelers’ No. 3 receiver. Bernard still has to outperform Roman Wilson and gain trust Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers’s trust, but it wouldn’t be surprising if Bernard quickly caught on. Teammates have already praised Bernard’s knowledge of the system. 

Pittsburgh made an aggressive move to land Bernard in the second round after missing out on selecting USC receiver Makai Lemon in the first round.

Though subject to change, Bernard wears No. 17 for the Steelers.

Selected 230th overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, Heidenreich’s rookie deal is expected to be worth $4.538 million. He’ll receive roughly a $158,724 signing bonus and carry a first-year cap charge of roughly $924,681.

An emotional final pick of Pittsburgh’s draft, Heidenreich is only the second player from Navy the Steelers have ever selected, after DT Glen Nardi in the 16th round of the 1973 draft. A Pittsburgh native who attended Mt. Lebanon High School, Heidenreich was at the draft when his name was called. Dressed in military uniform, he wiped away tears as he walked onto the stage to a group of Steelers fans celebrating the moment with him.

Owner Art Rooney II later called it the greatest seventh-round selection in team history. Rooney confirmed he and GM Omar Khan spoke days before the draft and agreed the Steelers would draft Heidenreich should he still be available with the team’s final pick.

Versatile as a receiver, runner and special teamer, Heidenreich left Navy as one of the most productive players in school history. One of just two Midshipmen to go over 1,000 career rushing and receiving yards, Heidenreich set a Navy record in receiving yards (1,994) and receiving touchdowns (16). He also rushed for 1,157 yards and seven more touchdowns and chipped in 11 total tackles.

Heidenreich is athletic and potent in space. However, he’ll have to prove he can adjust to an NFL scheme after playing in Navy’s option-based offense while showing the ability to make defenders miss in space.

The Steelers will try to get him involved in all areas during the summer and preseason. Still, his opportunities could be limited, and he’ll need to maximize those opportunities to stick on the 53-man roster. Heidenreich currently wears No. 29.

Though Allar isn’t under contract, he’s allowed to fully participate in OTAs and minicamp the rest of the spring. He’ll need to be signed in order to participate in training camp in late July, but it’s highly likely his contract will be inked before then.