Delayed by factors related to this unique summer, the Pittsburgh Steelers at last formally announced the signing of their draft choices Friday.
Though four of the six were known via the players’ social-media accounts, a team release acknowledged all six picks had signed: second-round wide receiver Chase Claypool, third-around outside linebacker Alex Highsmith, fourth-round running back Anthony McFarland, fourth-round guard Kevin Dotson, sixth-round safety Antoine Brooks and seventh-round defensive tackle Carlos Davis.
Dotson and Davis were the lone draftees whose signings were not previously reported.
We have signed all six of our 2020 NFL Draft picks to four-year contracts!@ChaseClaypool | @highsmith34 | @AnttMacc_ | @kdd7696 | @TwanDoee | @_KING_LOS__
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) July 24, 2020
By league edict, rookies were permitted to report to team facilities this week. Training camp is scheduled to open Tuesday at Heinz Field.
Under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement, there is very little wiggle room in negotiations that could lead to a holdout. Salaries are slotted, so the drama of a rookie refusing to sign is a relic of the past.
But the coronavirus pandemic made for a virtual offseason with no rookie minicamp or organized team activities. Signings across the NFL were delayed.
The league and its players association have yet to come to an agreement regarding modifications related to covid-19, leading to speculation that camps could be delayed. It also has been reported that the usual 90-man camp roster size would be trimmed to 80 this year.
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