Although training camp is just about set to kick off around the league, there is one glaring issue that's becoming more and more of a problem. Thankfully, the Pittsburgh Steelers are one of a select few who do not have to deal with it.
It would certainly not be ideal to go into camp without your second-round rookie on the field, but that's exactly what the majority of the league is facing at this point, including the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals.
Because of the Houston Texans giving rookie wide receiver Jayden Higgins a fully-guaranteed rookie deal, the Cleveland Browns followed suit by doing the same with linebacker Carson Schwesinger. Other than those two, though, no other second-round pick has signed their rookie contract.
Fortunately, the Steelers dealt their 2025 second rounder away in the trade to acquire DK Metcalf. Thus, they've avoided the problem altogether.
The Steelers got lucky to avoid the growing second-round rookie contract problem
In a funny way, this worked out better than the Steelers could have hoped. They get a guy, in Metcalf, who clearly has a connection with quarterback Aaron Rodgers and is capable of being that dominant, alpha wide receiver.
All the while, Pittsburgh doesn't have to figure out how to navigate this growing issue like a pair of rivals. The Ravens' second rounder is pass rusher Mike Green while the Bengals have linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr.
Oh, and by the way, the Bengals' issues don't stop there. Let's not forget the longstanding contract situation with defensive end Trey Hendrickson. That still isn't solved, so who knows what the immediate future and training camp looks like for last year's sack leader.
As if it couldn't get any worse, the Bengals also face a contract standoff with first-round pick Shemar Stewart over verbiage in his rookie deal.
The Bengals might have to score 50 points a game this coming season, which obviously isn't going to happen. Let's just say the Steelers shouldn't be too worried about Cincy, as good as their offense is.
As for Baltimore? They'll continue to be a problem. Green will end up getting signed, but he isn't the reason why the Ravens are going to be an issue. He could certainly help, but the Ravens are a force regardless.
Right now, the Steelers simply have to be thankful that they're not walking into a potential distraction as training camp kicks off.