Tag: Pittsburgh Steelers

Steelers Rookie QB Drew Allar’s unsigned contract is not the problem it appears to be

By: @OOSSports

Drew Allar

The Pittsburgh Steelers have nearly their entire 2026 rookie class under contract, but one notable name remains unsigned.

Drew Allar, Pittsburgh’s third-round pick and one of the most important developmental players in the organization, has not yet finalized his rookie deal. WPXI’s Chris Ward reported the update, noting that Allar is the only member of the Steelers’ 10-player draft class still without a signed contract.

That may seem concerning at first. In reality, it looks far more procedural than problematic.

Allar has already taken part in Pittsburgh’s offseason program. That includes rookie minicamp, OTAs, and mandatory minicamp. His full participation matters because it shows both sides are operating normally. This is not a holdout. This is not a standoff. This is a third-round rookie contract still moving through the final stages before training camp.

The Steelers have recent precedent for this type of timeline. Joey Porter Jr. did not sign his rookie contract until July 25, 2023, just one day before players reported for training camp. That situation did not become a major issue, and Porter quickly became an important piece of Pittsburgh’s defense.

Allar’s case appears to be following a similar path.

The bigger story is not the paperwork. It is what Allar represents.

At 6-foot-5 and 228 pounds, Allar gives the Steelers one of the most physically gifted quarterback prospects they have added in years. His arm strength, size, and developmental upside made him a logical swing for a franchise still searching for its long-term answer at the position.

Allar’s 2024 season at Penn State showed why Pittsburgh invested a top-100 pick in him. He earned All-Big Ten honorable mention after throwing for 3,327 yards, 24 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. Those numbers came with flashes of poise, vertical passing ability, and improved decision-making.

For the Steelers, the priority is simple. They need Allar learning the offense, adjusting to NFL speed, and getting comfortable before training camp. The exact signing date matters less than his development.

The current CBA also heavily shapes rookie contracts for third-round picks. Negotiations usually center on bonus structure, payment timing, and guarantee language rather than dramatic financial gaps. That is why Allar’s unsigned status should not be treated like a major red flag.

If anything, the situation reinforces how closely Pittsburgh’s future is tied to his growth. The Steelers are not drafting Allar for one offseason headline. They are betting on traits, patience, and quarterback development.

Allar may be the final unsigned rookie in Pittsburgh’s class, but his most important work has already started.

The contract should come. The real question is whether the Steelers can turn his tools into their next long-term answer at quarterback.

For more draft coverage across the sports world, watch the full OutOfSightSports 2026 NBA Lottery Mock Draft on YouTube and subscribe for more prospect breakdowns, offseason analysis, and roster-building stories.

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Philadelphia Eagles CB Darius Slay injured during Training Camp

Steelers CB Darius Slay Injured at Training Camp Practice

The Steelers’ secondary depth took another hit on Monday when Darius Slay suffered an ankle injury during training camp practice. The setback comes with starting cornerback Jalen Ramsey already sidelined, raising new concerns ahead of the team’s joint sessions with Tampa Bay later this week.

Slay’s Injury Compounds Cornerback Issues

Slay went down during team drills and did not return to the field. While the team has not released official details about the severity of the injury, his absence will be felt in an already thinned cornerback group. Ramsey has been out for the past week, missing valuable preparation time.

Notably, Slay’s durability has been a talking point in the past. As reported by FOX Sports Radio’s Adam Caplan, the veteran underwent arthroscopic knee surgery late in 2023, which could raise questions about his mobility. “You have to wonder how well he can run … and the Eagles learned this with James Bradberry, who they cut, who signed a big extension two years ago,” Caplan said. While those comments referred to his time in Philadelphia, they highlight the physical challenges Slay has battled in recent years.

Without two of their top defensive backs, the Steelers are relying on less experienced players to step into bigger roles. Cameron McCutchen, Kyler McMichael, and Daryl Porter are among those vying to prove themselves during this stretch.

Opportunity for Young Corners

The competition for roster spots at the bottom of the depth chart is heating up. For players like McCutchen, McMichael, and Porter, this is a prime opportunity to make their case to defensive coordinator Teryl Austin and head coach Mike Tomlin.

Slay’s and Ramsey’s absences open additional reps in both team and individual drills, allowing these young corners to showcase their skills against Pittsburgh’s top wideouts.

What It Means for the Steelers’ Defense

The Steelers entered training camp with one of the NFL’s more intriguing defensive backfields, combining veteran experience with promising young talent. However, the simultaneous losses of Slay and Ramsey create potential ripple effects that could extend into the early regular season.

  1. Depth Concerns – Without their two most established corners on the field, Pittsburgh risks overexposing younger players in live game situations.

  2. Scheme Adjustments – Austin may need to simplify coverage schemes or lean on more zone concepts until his starters are fully healthy.

  3. Increased Safety Responsibility – Minkah Fitzpatrick and the safeties may be tasked with more coverage support, which could impact blitz packages.

  4. Roster Pressure – If the injuries linger, the front office could explore adding a veteran cornerback before Week 1.

While injuries are an unavoidable part of training camp, losing two key players at the same position is a test of a team’s resilience and roster depth.

Looking Ahead to Tampa Bay

The Steelers will now shift their focus to joint practices with the Buccaneers before their preseason matchup in Pittsburgh this weekend. Tomlin has yet to announce which starters will suit up, but this game represents a key evaluation point for the coaching staff.

The preseason schedule is reaching its midpoint, making every rep critical—especially for those fighting for a spot in the secondary. While the team waits for updates on Slay’s status, the next few days could be defining for several fringe roster hopefuls.

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