The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted former Navy Midshipmen offensive weapon Eli Heidenreich 230th overall in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Heidenreich played multiple positions in college, seeing time at running back, fullback, and wide receiver, totaling 1,157 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, and 1,994 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns. He enjoyed a career year in 2025, setting career highs with 499 rushing yards and three touchdowns, along with 941 receiving yards while averaging 18.5 yards per reception and six touchdowns, earning Second-Team All-AAC honors.
In his rookie season, Heidenreich is currently listed as an RB/WR and will compete for a final spot on the active roster.
The Pittsburgh Steelers ink versatile offensive weapon with 4-year deal
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Feb 28, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Naval Academy running back Eli Heidenreich (RB07) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
On X, the Steelers announced they have signed Eli Heidenreich to a four-year rookie contract. Spotrac projects his contract to be worth $4.4 million. In addition, they project Heidenreich’s cap hits to be $923,998 in 2026, $1,043,998 in 2027, $1,158,998 in 2028, and $1,273,998 in 2029.
We have signed RB/WR Eli Heidenreich. @BordasLaw
📝: https://t.co/AeVfwknhEj pic.twitter.com/JBATPT2a8N
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) May 18, 2026
Lance Zierlein
Mar 2, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; NFL Network Draft media analyst Lance Zierlein during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
“Versatile and productive, Heidenreich possesses good size and toughness. Most of his run production came on jet sweeps from Navy’s option attack, but he appears to lack the acceleration to outpace NFL pursuit as a wide runner. He was a strong tester, displaying the ability to take on a bigger chunk of route-running than he saw in college.
“He’s short-limbed with a limited catch radius, but he hangs on tight when it hits his hands. Teams will like the mentality and his special-teams potential, but he might lack the necessary athleticism to uncover on routes or elude tacklers with the ball in his hands.”