PITTSBURGH – The black and gold are keeping one of their brightest young stars right where he belongs. Running back Nate Carter, the undrafted rookie phenom who electrified the league last season, has officially re-signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers on a two-year, 11.6 million dollar contract.
The deal was finalized early in re-sign week and ensures that one of the most productive and dynamic players from the 2025 campaign will remain at the heart of head coach DK LaFleur’s offense for at least two more seasons.
It’s a well-earned reward for a player who went from being overlooked in free agency to becoming one of the AFC’s most complete backs in just 12 games of action.
From Free Agent to Franchise Cornerstone
When Nate Carter first arrived in Pittsburgh in Week 7, few outside the Steelers locker room knew his name. He had gone undrafted, unsigned, and unnoticed through much of the league cycle. But Coach LaFleur saw something others didn’t, and that was vision, burst, and the mindset of a player who runs like every carry might be his last.
Carter’s impact was immediate. In his debut season, he racked up 1,048 rushing yards on just 171 carries, averaging a remarkable 6.1 yards per attempt. He added 13 rushing touchdowns, breaking the Steelers rookie rushing touchdown record, while also contributing 784 receiving yards and 4 touchdown receptions. His 1,832 total yards from scrimmage ranked among the top marks in the conference despite missing the first six games of the season.
“It’s hard to put into words what Nate meant to this team last year,” LaFleur said. “He changed the way we played football. He brought balance to our offense and gave us the ability to dictate the game on our terms.”
LaFleur wasn’t exaggerating. Carter’s arrival coincided with the Steelers finding their identity under their new head coach. His versatility out of the backfield helped quarterback Desmond Ridder settle into rhythm, and his explosive playmaking forced defenses to stay honest, which is something Pittsburgh lacked early in the season.
The Heart of the Offense
Re-signing Carter wasn’t just a matter of production. It was a matter of philosophy. LaFleur’s offensive system thrives on balance, rhythm, and mismatches, and few players in the league embody those traits better than Carter.
“He’s the type of back who makes everyone around him better,” said offensive coordinator Mike Tomlin Jr. “You can hand it to him, throw it to him, motion him out wide, whatever you need, he delivers. That’s not just rare. That’s special.”
His ability to create yards after the catch and break tackles in space made him one of the most dangerous dual-threat backs in football. For a player listed at just 5’10”, 210 pounds, Carter plays with the intensity of a freight train. His compact frame and balance allow him to bounce off tackles and fall forward for extra yards. More importantly, he’s proven durable and reliable, which are traits that made the Steelers confident enough to invest in him long-term.
The two-year, 11.6 million dollar deal is both team-friendly and player-rewarding. It gives Carter security while allowing Pittsburgh flexibility as they continue shaping their roster heading into the 2026 season.
A Story That Inspires
Carter’s journey from undrafted to indispensable has quickly become one of the league’s favorite storylines. He entered the league with no guarantees, battled through uncertainty, and turned every opportunity into a highlight reel.
“That’s what makes Nate different,” LaFleur said. “He’s hungry. He’s never satisfied. You’d think after the year he just had, he’d take a step back, but he’s already talking about what he can improve on for next season.”
Carter himself has echoed that sentiment. “I appreciate the opportunity, but I’m not done,” he said in his extension interview. “Last year was just the beginning. I want to be the best version of myself and help this team win playoff games. That’s the goal now.”
His teammates couldn’t be happier to see him stay. “That’s my guy,” said quarterback Desmond Ridder. “He’s the heartbeat of this offense. You always know he’s going to make a play, whether it’s a 3-yard grind or a 30-yard burst. He’s special, and I’m glad he’s sticking around.”
The Bigger Picture
For the Steelers, Carter’s re-signing marks another key step in maintaining offensive continuity heading into the next cycle. With Ridder under center, Metcalf and Alec Pierce secured on multi-year deals, and a young offensive line returning mostly intact, LaFleur now has the stability to take the next step in his program.
The chemistry between Ridder and Carter, in particular, has been one of the most reliable connections in the offense. Their timing on screens, checkdowns, and option routes has kept drives alive and forced opposing defenses to stretch themselves thin trying to cover both.
With another offseason to work together and LaFleur’s first full year at the helm, expectations for the duo are sky-high.
“This is just the start,” LaFleur said. “We’re building something here, and keeping players like Nate is how you make sure the foundation stays strong.”
The Future of the Backfield
While Carter remains the centerpiece of the Steelers running game, his presence also sets the tone for the rest of the position group. His leadership, preparation, and professionalism have raised the bar for younger players looking to make their mark.
“He’s not a rah-rah guy,” said center Zach Frazier. “But when you see the way he practices, you want to match that energy. That’s leadership, even if it’s quiet.”
The Steelers now move into the offseason with stability and confidence at one of football’s most vital positions, and they did it without overpaying or overextending.
For Nate Carter, it’s another chapter in a story that just keeps getting better. From overlooked rookie to cornerstone player, his rise has mirrored the resilience of the franchise he represents.
Two more years, Eleven point six million dollars, and a whole lot more football left to play. Nate. Is. Ready.
– Forged In Steel Times
