The Pittsburgh Steelers made waves this week by finalizing a deal with first-round defensive tackle Derrick Harmon, a move that underscores their commitment to fortifying the trenches in the brutal AFC North. The signing, coupled with revelations of a near-miss draft trade and reactions from division rivals, sets the stage for a compelling 2025 season. Here’s a breakdown of the latest developments and what they mean for the NFL’s most physical division.
Steelers Lock Down Derrick Harmon: The Anchor They Needed
Pittsburgh solidified its defensive front by signing Derrick Harmon, the 6’4”, 315-pound powerhouse out of Michigan State, to a four-year, $18.7 million rookie contract (including a $10.2 million signing bonus). Harmon, the 24th overall pick, brings immediate run-stopping prowess and interior pressure to a unit that ranked 19th against the run in 2024.
- College Pedigree: 22 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks over his final two seasons.
- Scheme Fit: Harmon’s ability to two-gap and collapse pockets aligns perfectly with DC Teryl Austin’s aggressive 3-4 system.
- Leadership: Named team captain at MSU, Harmon is already drawing comparisons to a young Cam Heyward.
“Derrick’s a Steeler through and through—tough, smart, and relentless,” said GM Omar Khan.
Behind the Scenes: Steelers’ Failed Draft Trade for a QB?
While Harmon was their target, Sports Illustrated reports Pittsburgh aggressively explored trading up from No. 24 to secure a top QB prospect, likely J.J. McCarthy (who went 12th to Denver). The Steelers offered a 2026 first-rounder and WR Calvin Austin III, but talks fizzled.
- Plan B: Staying put allowed them to address the defensive line, a critical need after allowing 4.3 yards per carry last season.
- Kenny Pickett’s Future: The failed QB pursuit signals confidence in Pickett, but rumors persist about veteran competition.
AFC North Rivals React: Ravens, Bengals on Alert
The Steelers’ investment in Harmon hasn’t gone unnoticed in the division:
- Baltimore Ravens: While focused on their own additions (like RB Derrick Henry), Baltimore’s staff acknowledged Harmon’s potential to disrupt their ground game. “He’s a problem,” said DC Zach Orr. “We’ll need [Tyler Linderbaum] at his best.”
- Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow, who was sacked 38 times in 2024, faces a stiffer challenge. “Pittsburgh’s front just got scarier,” noted The Athletic.
- Cleveland Browns: Rivalry aside, Cleveland’s revamped O-line (led by Jack Conklin) now has another hurdle in divisional matchups.
Strategic Implications for the Steelers
- Stopping the Run: With Harmon and Keeanu Benton, Pittsburgh aims to neutralize Derrick Henry and Nick Chubb twice a year.
- Pressuring Burrow/Jackson: Harmon’s push up the middle will free up edge rushers T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith.
- Draft Philosophy: Prioritizing trenches over flashy skill players reflects Pittsburgh’s “build from the inside out” mantra.
What’s Next?
- Training Camp Battles: Harmon vs. Montravius Adams for the starting NT role.
- Rookie Impact: Only three Steelers D-linemen (Heyward, Benton, Larry Ogunjobi) are locks for 2025. Harmon’s versatility could earn him snaps at DE and NT.
- Schedule Watch: Circle Week 3 (vs. Ravens) and Week 7 (vs. Bengals) as early tests.
Final Thoughts
By securing Derrick Harmon, the Steelers sent a clear message: they’re doubling down on defense to reclaim AFC North dominance. While rivals like Baltimore counter with offensive firepower, Pittsburgh’s blueprint hinges on controlling the line of scrimmage—a strategy that’s fueled six Super Bowl wins. If Harmon lives up to his draft billing, the Black and Gold could be back in title contention sooner than expected.
Will Harmon be the missing piece for Pittsburgh’s defense? Or will the Ravens and Bengals’ star QBs prevail? Share your take below!
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