2025 NFL Draft Steelers News Steelers Transactions
Steelers Sign Massive DT to Rookie Deal
The Pittsburgh Steelers and defensive tackle Yahyah Black have agreed to terms on a rookie contract.
The Steelers selected Iowa defensive tackle Yahyah Black with the 164th overall pick in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft—a selection originally owned by the Kansas City Chiefs before a trade-up. Black was a disruptive presence on the Hawkeyes’ defensive line in 2024, finishing with 34 tackles, including seven tackles for loss, one sack, two pass breakups, two quarterback hurries, and a blocked field goal.
Black was a force—literally and figuratively—on Iowa’s front. Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 320 pounds with a wingspan of more than 7 feet, he anchored well against the run and held strong against double teams. That skill set fits the Steelers’ mold, allowing inside linebackers like Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson to stay clean and attack downhill.
He plays with strong gap discipline and consistently maintains leverage, making him a reliable early-down defender. His length also allows him to disrupt passing lanes and alter throws.
Black joins a retooled Steelers defensive line that includes Keanu Benton, veteran Cam Heyward, and first-round pick Derrick Harmon from Oregon. While Black will likely begin in a rotational role, he projects as a good fit in Pittsburgh’s 3-4 front. He primarily played as a 3-technique at Iowa but also has the flexibility to align as a 5-technique in sub-packages.
He’ll reunite with fellow Iowa product Kaleb Johnson, a third-round pick by Pittsburgh at running back.
While terms of Black’s deal have not yet been disclosed, OverTheCap.com estimates the contract at four years and $4.5 million, including a signing bonus of approximately $360,000.
Black is the fourth of the Steelers’ seven draft picks to sign his rookie deal, further reinforcing general manager Omar Khan’s commitment to building a defense capable of shutting down the run.