Derrick Harmon, Steelers Reportedly Agree to $18M Rookie Contract After NFL Draft

The Pittsburgh Steelers have finalized a deal with first-round 2025 NFL draft pick Derrick Harmon.

Harmon and the Steelers have agreed to a four-year, $18 million rookie contract, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

Harmon spent three seasons as a defensive lineman at Michigan State and then finished out his college career at Oregon before the Steelers selected him with the No. 21 pick.

He recorded 45 tackles, including 11 for loss, while recording 5.0 sacks and defending four passes in 14 games of his senior campaign.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin described Harmon after the draft as a player "capable of dominating that space versus the run and the pass."

"This is a guy that has an opportunity to learn from the likes of Cam Heyward and put his hand in the pile and be a significant contributor for us for years to come," Tomlin said.

B/R NFL scout Matt Holder comped Harmon to Buffalo Bills defensive tackle DaQuan Jones ahead of the draft.

"Harmon's ability to take on double teams is a big part of what sets him apart as a run defender. He takes on blocks with good pad level and a wide and sturdy base, making him hard to move," Holder wrote.

Holder added: "Harmon projects as an impact starter who can contribute on all three downs, especially if he continues to grow as a pass-rusher."

The Steelers will now hope Heyward can help Harmon develop into that impact player as he competes for a Week 1 starting spot ahead of his rookie 2025 campaign.