Steelers Will Soon Need To Address Major Problem Plaguing The NFL

The Pittsburgh Steelers don't have a ton of drama surrounding the franchise as the only issue that is currently bothering fans is the contract dispute with star outside linebacker TJ Watt. Watt is entering the final season of his contract, and he wants an extension before stepping foot on the field. That makes sense as he has earned another extension as he has been one of the best defenders in the league since getting drafted, however there are also players across the league holding out that haven't played a snap yet. This is the case for a lot of second-round picks, as most are fighting for fully guaranteed deals.

Traditionally, only first-round picks have their rookie contracts fully-guaranteed. There have been some second-rounders that have had it happen before, but it is becoming more normal with the 2025 class after Jayden Higgins and Carson Schwesinger had their deals fully-guaranteed as second-round selections. This has led to a number of second-round picks being unsigned as their agents fight for fully-guaranteed rookie deals.

The most notable hold-out currently is Tre Harris who is a wide receiver that was selected in the second round by the Los Angeles Chargers. Harris wants his money to be guaranteed, and there are a bunch of other second-round picks who remain unsigned as training camp rapidly approaches. 

Notably, the Steelers did not have a second-round pick during the 2025 NFL Draft as the organization traded it to the Seattle Seahawks. Seattle ended up trading the pick, but the Seahawks still have two second-round picks that are unsigned as the contract dispute with second rounders continues around the league.

Pittsburgh did not have to worry about this issue in 2025, but the organization will have to address it in 2026. Currently, Pittsburgh has its own second-round pick as well as two third rounds picks, and the franchise is projected to get a third due to the NFL's compensatory pick formula. 

It will be interesting to see how the situation unfolds with the rest of the second-round picks in the 2025 draft class that are currently unsigned, as the Steelers will have to take notes on the situation in preparation for 2026.

Another worry that teams should have is that this same sentiment will move down to third-round picks at some point. Once it becomes normal for all second round picks to get their deals fully guaranteed, then some organization will end up cracking and giving a third-round selection a fully-guaranteed deal, which will put the league in the same situation it is in now. That could be next year, which would not be good for Pittsburgh as the franchise could have three third round picks on the roster.

Steelers Could Part Ways With 2026 Second-Round Pick

The Steelers are projected to have 12 selections in the 2026 NFL Draft, which is going to be hosted in Pittsburgh. The Steelers are going to need to take a shot on a quarterback in what is expected to be a promising class, the only issue is that the Steelers are still trying to contend for a Super Bowl in 2025. This will likely keep the Steelers out of the range to pick a top quarterback in the 2026 class, which will force the organization to consider trading up in the first round. 

This is probably the best way for the Steelers to attempt to get a franchise quarterback, and that second round pick will probably be part of the deal, as will some of those third rounders, and probably a future first round pick. It all depends what kind of jump the Steelers are looking to make. Seeing the current scene around the league with second round picks, the Steelers would gladly move on from that selection.

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