The 2025 offseason for the Pittsburgh Steelers hasn’t been quiet. Particularly for head coach Mike Tomlin, who must contend with the pressure of both defensive expectations and uncertainty at center. The Steelers are facing an uncomfortable reality as contract negotiations with Aaron Rodgers continue to drag on indefinitely. Organised Team Activities (OTAs) have begun. Still, the quarterback room appears to be in disarray. As Mike Tomlin is still looking for stability at the most crucial position in the league.
Mason Rudolph is now projected as QB1, a placeholder with more question marks than confidence. Behind him? Will Howard, a rookie selected in the sixth round, wasn’t even listed on most draft boards until Day 3. Mike Tomlin is aware that things are far from stable. However, the front office isn’t letting the rest of the roster sit around while the quarterback drama takes up much of the news.
NFL source Tom Pelissero said on Wednesday that the Pittsburgh Steelers formally signed defensive tackle Derrick Harmon, their 2025 first-round pick, to a four-year rookie contract worth $17.97 million fully guaranteed. Now, according to the team’s X post, the agreement is ‘officially official.’ And it comes at a crucial juncture in Tomlin’s efforts to reassemble a once-dreaded defensive front. The Steelers were embarrassed in the Wild Card Round after surrendering a staggering 186 running yards to Derrick Henry and another 81 to Lamar Jackson. Harmon, who was selected 21st overall out of Oregon, is anticipated to start competing for reps inside the trenches right away.
Officially official @DerrickHarmon20 pic.twitter.com/U7AMyO7ZPT
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) May 22, 2025
Mike Tomlin grabbed a guy he claims has ‘Steelers DNA’ in response to the loud requests for reinforcements that followed that loss. Following the draft, Tomlin stated, “For us, it starts inside and up front. This is a guy that is capable of dominating that space versus the run and the pass.”
The format of Harmon’s college resume is similar to Tomlin’s system checklist: 14 consecutive starts, 10.5 TFLs, five sacks, and second-team All-American status at Oregon in 2024. But it wasn’t just his tape—Tomlin highlighted the way Harmon handled team visits, meetings, and personal tragedy. Tomlin remarked, referencing the death of Harmon’s mother just hours after the draft, “He impressed us at every step. Great tape, great interviews, and even greater resilience.”
And resilience is valuable in Pittsburgh. Harmon stated during rookie minicamp, “You’ve got to have grit to be in this organization. I feel like that’s me.” Mike Tomlin is establishing the groundwork for what he hopes will once again be a dominating defence. As Harmon learns from seasoned players like Cam Heyward. However, while one pillar is fixed, the other side of the ball is still… unsteady.
Mike Tomlin waits for Aaron Rodgers’ next move
If Derrick Harmon’s signing was a game-changer for Tomlin, the quarterback situation has been anything but that. Aaron Rodgers’ ongoing delay has become the thorn in the Steel City locker room, despite Mike Tomlin’s professed optimism. The Steelers, who are said to be the front-runners, have been in extensive contract negotiations with Rodgers for weeks. Both Tomlin and Art Rooney II, the team’s owner, have made references to the impending move. However, Rodgers is still not in the building.
We now understand why. During an emotional interview on the Joe Rogan podcast, the four-time MVP said he’s been assisting loved ones in their fight against cancer. And that is why he’s putting football on hold. “I figured it out over the last year, when I’ve been in the weeds with these people close to me who have cancer,” Rodgers said. The revelation reframed what many had seen as procrastination or diva behavior. But it has placed Mike Tomlin in a position he is accustomed to. Waiting for an experienced quarterback while attempting to stabilize the team around him.
When asked this week for an update, Art Rooney II replied, “A little while longer. I’ll say the same thing.” But Tomlin won’t be able to implement an offensive strategy in June if he waits “a little while longer.” The longer this goes on, the more it seems like the mayhem under centre could jeopardise Tomlin’s best-laid defense plans. Nothing has been ruled out by Rodgers yet. The door is ajar. Mike Tomlin’s waiting. Pittsburgh is watching. But time isn’t on anyone’s side.
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