Full Breakdown
Steelers Sign Three Mid-Round Draft Picks to Rookie Contracts
5/10/2026, 10:54:39 PM
Mid-Round Draft Picks Ink Rookie Deals
On Saturday, the Pittsburgh Steelers signed cornerback Daylen Everette, guard Gennings Dunker and fullback Riley Nowakowski to four-year rookie contracts, completing deals for six of the ten 2026 draft selections.
Background: Draft Strategy and Roster Needs
The Steelers used the 2026 draft to add depth, selecting Max Iheanachor (OT), Germie Bernard (WR), Drew Allar (QB) and Eli Heidenreich (RB) earlier, then focused on versatile players to support head coach Mike McCarthy’s run-heavy offense and a secondary emphasizing speed.
Key Figures & Groups
Gennings Dunker – Guard
Former Iowa right tackle, 6-foot-5, 319 lb, drafted 96th overall. Projected to move inside to guard, he will compete for the left-guard spot opened by Isaac Seumalo.
Daylen Everette – Cornerback
Georgia product, 85th-overall pick, logged 150 tackles, 19 pass deflections and five interceptions in college. Expected to serve as backup behind Joey Porter Jr., Jamel Dean and Asante Samuel Jr., and contribute on special teams.
Riley Nowakowski – Fullback
Former Wisconsin walk-on turned Indiana tight end, 169th-overall pick. Recorded 32 receptions for 387 yards and two touchdowns in 2025. Projected as a fullback/H-back in McCarthy’s two-back system and on special teams.
Contract Terms and College Production
Everette’s four-year deal totals $6.936 M with a $1.504 M signing bonus and $1.261 M first-year cap charge. Dunker’s contract is $6.759 M, $1.375 M bonus, $1.228 M cap charge. Nowakowski’s deal is $4.831 M with a $451,056 bonus and sub-$1 M cap charge.
Official Team Statements & Responses
The Steelers’ website confirmed the three have agreed to four-year contracts. Coach Mike McCarthy said the signings add needed physicality and versatility for the offense and secondary.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts note Everette’s raw coverage skills amid a crowded cornerback group, question Dunker’s athleticism in space as he shifts to guard, and point out that fifth-round picks like Nowakowski often face roster cuts.
Why It Matters / Impact
The signings deepen the Steelers’ depth on the offensive line, secondary and special teams, giving McCarthy more options for his run-first scheme and providing potential contributors early in the season.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
One source lists Everette as the 85th overall pick; another says he was taken 15 spots before Dunker, implying the 81st slot. Nowakowski’s college receptions are reported as 32 and 16 in different accounts.
What’s Next
The rookies head to training camp to vie for roster spots, while the Steelers still must sign Iheanachor, Bernard, Allar and Heidenreich.
