Steelers get all of their rookies under contract by signing Kendrick Green

The Pittsburgh Steelers can now put getting their 2021 NFL Draft class under contract in the rear view mirror. During the final phase of Organized Team Activities (OTAs) the Steelers were able to get top pick Najee Harris and second round pick Pat Freiermuth to sign on the dotted line after Day 1, and now they have their third round pick, Kendrick Green, under contract too according to his agent.

Getting all nine draft picks under contract is just the final step in the process of preparing for the regular season. But for those who wonder what the salary cap implications are of Green’s contract, check out the detailed information below:

Based on the reported salary cap cost for each draft picks, their exact signing bonus can be estimated. So here are those numbers for Kendrick Green, 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.

Kendrick Green

2021 salary cap number: $886,502
Calculated signing bonus: $906,008

So, with the draft class locked up, what do the Steelers do now? If they wanted to make another move in free agency, they could, but would likely need to create more salary cap space by way of restructuring contracts or giving extensions. It wouldn’t be difficult to become a player in the waning weeks before training camp, but the Steelers could also just sit back and wait to see who gets cut before the regular season begins.

Either way, be sure to stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the black and gold as they prepare for the rest of OTAs, mandatory minicamp and training camp!