The Pittsburgh Steelers have officially signed fifth-round pick Riley Nowakowski after selecting the former Indiana tight end with the 169th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Financial details of the four-year deal were not disclosed.
Nowakowski enters Pittsburgh as a versatile offensive piece who is expected to transition into an H-back/fullback hybrid role.
Indiana Hoosiers tight end Riley Nowakowski (37) against the Miami Hurricanes in the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium on Jan 19, 2026. — Mark J. Rebilas / Imagn ImagesCredit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
At Indiana, Nowakowski primarily played tight end, but his biggest impact came as a blocker and situational contributor rather than a traditional receiving threat. His physical style, ability to engage defenders at the point of attack, and experience lining up across multiple spots made him an appealing developmental option for NFL teams looking for versatility in the run game.
For Pittsburgh, Nowakowski is expected to operate as an H-back/fullback hybrid who can line up in the backfield, attach to the formation, and contribute on special teams. His blocking ability in space and willingness to take on contact align with what the Steelers want in their physical offensive approach.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now : Steelers Sign Fifth-Round H-Back Riley Nowakowski
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