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Steelers Sign Linebacker Carson Bruener To Rookie Deal
The Pittsburgh Steelers and 2025 NFL Draft seventh-round draft pick Carson Bruener have agreed to terms on his rookie contract, the team announced on Friday.
The Steelers selected the Washington linebacker with the 265th overall pick in the seventh round of this year’s NFL Draft. Bruener had a standout career with the Huskies, most notably in 2024, when he was one of only two Power Four players to record at least 100 tackles and three interceptions.
He also earned first-team All-Big Ten honors and was widely praised for his instincts and ability to diagnose plays. Bruener finished his college career with 306 total tackles, including 10.5 for loss.
Bruener is no stranger to the rich tradition of the Steelers’ organization. His father, Mark Bruener, is a former Steelers tight end and currently serves as a scout for the team.
“The crazy thing too is, I’m actually sitting in the same exact spot my dad got drafted with the Steelers 30 years ago—over at our cabin, same exact spot. So it’s just a full-circle moment. It’s crazy,” Bruener said after being selected.
Contract details have not yet been disclosed, but according to OverTheCap, the deal is worth approximately $4.3 million over four years, with an estimated signing bonus of $113,000.
Bruener is expected to contribute as a depth piece in a crowded inside linebacker room that includes Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, Cole Holcomb, Mark Robinson, and Malik Harrison. He is also projected to be a significant contributor on special teams, a role he excelled in during his time at Washington.
The pick used to draft Bruener was one of two the Steelers held in the seventh round, acquired after trading back in the fifth round with the Kansas City Chiefs. Bruener was one of five defensive selections the Steelers made in this year’s draft, underscoring the team’s focus on bolstering its defense this offseason.
Bruener is the first of the Steelers’ seven 2025 NFL Draft selections to sign so far, with six remaining.