The Steelers signed linebacker Carson Bruener, one of the team's seventh-round picks, to a four-year contract. Bruener, who played at the University of Washington, was selected with the 226th overall pick.
"This is a dream come true," said Bruener. "I am so happy. I got my name called. I got that phone call. It's something special for sure. I can't wait.
"It does not (seem real). I am sitting in the same spot my dad got drafted in 30 years ago at our cabin. The same exact spot. It's a full circle moment. It's crazy."
Bruener, who is the son of former Steelers tight end and current scout Mark Bruener, appeared in 52 games at Washington.
"Great story, obviously, for him and his family, but as I told him when we had him on the phone, we were on the phone with him because of the merits of his resume and the things that he did at UW," said Coach Mike Tomlin. "Over 100 tackles this year as a starting inside linebacker, displaying great instincts, and in '22 and '23 he had double-digit special teams tackles for his football team. It is a worthy resume. It's just an awesome side note that his father is a Steeler and got drafted by this organization, I think, 30 years ago."
He finished with 306 tackles, 180 of them solo stops, 10 tackles for a loss, one and a half sacks, 14 passes defensed and four forced fumbles.
Bruener also is a special teams standout, something he knows will benefit at the NFL level.
"Special teams is something I started playing at the University of Washington early in my career and is something I embrace and really fell in love with," said Bruener. "It's something I have been able to do my whole career and excel at. I know that is something I am going to be able to bring to Pittsburgh for sure."
That aspect of his game is something that has special teams coordinator Danny Smith excited.
"He's a four-phase guy, punt, punt return, kickoff, kickoff return," said Smith. "He's big, he's strong, he's fast, he's relentless. He should be a good player."
In 2024, Bruener appeared in 13 games, finishing with 104 tackles, including 60 solo stops. He added three interceptions, eight passes defensed and a forced fumble.
