Steelers: 3 next moves after extending Minkah Fitzpatrick

Steelers rumors: Kenny Pickett next draft pick to sign?

Pickett’s contract is a slot value, so he will sign eventually. With Fitzpatrick’s extension now behind them, the Steelers can focus all of their attention on Pickett.

Per The Boston Globe, Pickett’s delay likely has something to do with the contract layout, rather than the money included itself:

"With Pickett, who will sign a four-year deal worth $14 million fully guaranteed, there’s really only one issue possible, the structure of the payments. The standard rookie contract entails a signing bonus and four years of base salary. But several players now negotiate for large roster bonuses at the beginning of training camp, and minimum salaries. The money is equal, but the players get more up front. However, the Steelers have never agreed to that structure for first-round picks."

Pickett finished third in Heisman voting last season. He’s a local college product, as he went to Pitt. Odds are there aren’t any major issues separating the two sides.

Pittsburgh has signed most of their draft picks at this juncture. Pickett was at mini camp, and performed decently as compared to Rudolph and Trubisky, both of whom have an advantage in terms of NFL experience.

Pickett has to be next up for the Steelers, who should want nothing more than to sign their first rounder to a cheap, rookie contract.