Steelers announce the signing of Pat Freiermuth, leaving just one rookie unsigned

The Pittsburgh Steelers are wheeling and dealing on first day of Phase III of Organized Team Activities (OTAs). Entering the final phase of offseason workouts, the Steelers had three rookies left to sign. They just happened to be the team’s top three draft picks.

After top draft choice Najee Harris signed on the dotted line Tuesday, second round pick, tight end Pat Freiermuth out of Penn State, also signed his rookie contract.

Freiermuth signing his first professional contract leaves just one player remaining to be signed, and that is offensive lineman, and third round draft pick, Kendrick Green out of Illinois. But for those who are wondering what the salary cap implications for Freiermuth’s contract are, see below:

Based on the reported salary cap cost for each draft picks, their exact signing bonus can be estimated. So here are the numbers for Freiermuth, specifically using overthecap.com. The calculated signing bonus is determined by taking the 2021 salary cap number, subtracting the $660k base salary, and multiplying by four as the cap hit will be spread out over the four years of the contract.

Pat Freiermuth

2021 salary cap number: $1,096,034
Calculated signing bonus: $1,744,136

The Steelers have a few weeks of OTAs before mandatory minicamp, and it is highly likely the Steelers will get all of their rookies signed well before minicamp takes place. In the meantime, the Steelers will now prepare for Day 2 of OTAs at the team’s UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on the southside.

Be sure to stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for the 2021 regular season.