MAX Iheanachor

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

This signing grades out as a slight overpay for the Pittsburgh Steelers — the team is getting approximately what they're paying for in on-field production. MAX's on-field performance ranks in the lower half among NFL OTs, grading him as a rotational player at the position. His $5.2M average annual value ranks as below-market money for the OT market. The production lines up closely with the price tag — rotational player production at below-market money, which is essentially paying fair market value. MAX is squarely in his prime, which adds to the deal's upside — the team should get multiple productive seasons out of this contract.

Performance AnalysisNot Tracked

Performance grades for OTs are not available. ESPN does not track individual statistics for offensive linemen, punters, long snappers, or fullbacks. This player will remain ungraded unless they change positions.

Fan Sentiment

Public perception of Max Iheanachor sits at an A sentiment grade, capturing how the Pittsburgh Steelers fan base and beat writers are framing his role. The narrative centers on the team's deliberate investment in offensive line protection—a first-round pick at 21 overall signals urgency to shield the quarterback, and media consensus treats this as a sensible, high-priority acquisition rather than a reach or gamble. The optimism tracks with the Steelers' broader offseason repositioning: signing Aaron Rodgers just days after drafting Iheanachor has amplified the storyline that Pittsburgh is building a complete supporting cast around a franchise-caliber veteran, making the young tackle a centerpiece of that infrastructure play. Fan and analyst discourse leans into the "if he develops into a long-term starter" qualifier—acknowledging first-round pedigree is no guarantee, but framing the risk as measured rather than reckless. The A-grade sentiment reflects genuine hope that a 22-year-old prospect with premium draft capital can meet expectations and stabilize an offensive line that the organization clearly views as critical to winning now.