Pittsburgh, PA – June 19, 2025
The Pittsburgh Steelers may soon cross another key item off their offseason checklist, as contract negotiations with top rookie pass rusher Kaleb Johnson are reportedly moving in the right direction. According to NFL insider Peter Schrager, both the team and Johnson’s camp are highly motivated to finalize a deal before training camp opens in July.
"There’s a strong push from both sides to get this rookie deal wrapped up," Schrager said on The Pat McAfee Show. "The Steelers know how important it is to have Johnson fully involved from day one, especially with how they’re building that pass rush rotation alongside T.J. Watt."
Johnson, a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, was selected 21st overall to bring speed, youth, and versatility to Pittsburgh’s front seven. With the departure of veteran names and the aging of star players like Watt and Heyward, Johnson is expected to play meaningful snaps early — and potentially emerge as a long-term anchor.
While rookie contracts for first-rounders are largely slotted under the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement, the sticking points often lie in guaranteed money structure and offset language. Those are the finer details that agents typically fight over, especially when the player is expected to contribute immediately.
Despite those common obstacles, reports indicate that negotiations with Johnson have been “smooth and professional”, with optimism that the deal could be signed within the next two weeks. That would ensure Johnson is fully integrated during minicamps and preseason install periods.
The Steelers’ recent focus on stability — shown through the signings of Aaron Rodgers and the DeShon Elliott extension — suggests that the front office is determined not to let contract issues disrupt the team’s preparation for what could be a serious Super Bowl push.
If finalized soon, Johnson would join a defensive core that includes Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and emerging young linebacker Kaleb Johnson — a unit Pittsburgh hopes can bring the Steel Curtain mystique back to life in 2025.
All signs now point to a deal getting done. And for Steelers fans, that’s exactly the kind of momentum they want heading into camp.
