ESPN reports: Hayden Hurst signs $78.8 million deal with Steelers after three seasons, leaving Ravens in major AFC North shakeup.

In one of the most headline-grabbing moves of the 2025 NFL offseason, tight end Hayden Hurst has agreed to a blockbuster four-year, $78.8 million contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to ESPN. The move not only marks a major investment in Hurst’s future but also dramatically shifts the balance of power in the AFC North — a division already brimming with talent and tension.

What makes this signing even more compelling is Hurst’s history: he spent three pivotal early seasons of his NFL career with the Baltimore Ravens, the Steelers’ most bitter division rival. For Ravens fans, the sight of Hurst donning the black and gold won’t just sting — it could prove strategically costly.

Let’s dive deep into what this signing means for Hurst, the Steelers, the Ravens, and the greater landscape of the AFC North.

From Baseball to Football: Hurst’s Unconventional Path

Before he was an NFL tight end, Hayden Hurst was a professional baseball player. Drafted in the 17th round by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2012, Hurst spent two years in the minor leagues as a pitcher. But after struggling with control issues — including a rare condition known as the “yips” — Hurst left baseball behind to pursue a career in football.

That bold decision led him to the University of South Carolina, where he walked on to the football team and quickly impressed scouts with his size, athleticism, and reliable hands. In 2018, the Baltimore Ravens made Hurst the 25th overall pick in the NFL Draft — the first tight end off the board that year, ahead of even Mark Andrews.

The Ravens Years: A Promising Start, Overshadowed by a Rising Star

Hurst’s early years in Baltimore were full of promise but also frustration. In his rookie season, he suffered a stress fracture in his foot during training camp, which delayed his development. Once he returned, he showed flashes of the talent that made him a first-round pick, finishing the season with 13 receptions for 163 yards and a touchdown.

However, a new star was rising in Baltimore: Mark Andrews, a third-round pick from the same draft class, quickly became Lamar Jackson’s favorite target. As Andrews surged, Hurst found himself slipping down the depth chart.

Despite being a strong route-runner with soft hands and above-average blocking ability, Hurst wasn’t given the volume of targets necessary to shine. In 2020, the Ravens traded him to the Atlanta Falcons, seeking to give him a better opportunity elsewhere — and recouping a valuable second-round pick in the process.

Career Resurgence: Atlanta, Cincinnati, and Carolina

Hurst’s time in Atlanta offered him the breakout opportunity he had long hoped for. In 2020, he started all 16 games, finishing with 56 catches for 571 yards and six touchdowns — all career highs. He became a key safety valve for quarterback Matt Ryan and proved he could be a legitimate TE1 in the NFL.

After Atlanta declined his fifth-year option, Hurst signed with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2022. There, he contributed as a reliable piece in Joe Burrow’s arsenal, hauling in 52 receptions for 414 yards and two scores. His postseason performances were strong, with key catches in wins over the Ravens and Bills.

In 2023, Hurst signed a three-year, $21.75 million deal with the Carolina Panthers, intended to be a stabilizing veteran presence for rookie quarterback Bryce Young. But after a disappointing season plagued by injury and inconsistency across the Panthers’ offense, Hurst was released after one year.

It appeared Hurst might be nearing the “journeyman” label — until the Steelers came calling.

A Massive Payday: $78.8 Million and a New Role in Pittsburgh

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Steelers beat out multiple suitors to land Hurst on a four-year deal worth nearly $79 million, making him one of the highest-paid tight ends in the league. It’s a massive show of faith in Hurst, especially considering his recent career volatility.

Sources indicate the Steelers view Hurst not only as a traditional tight end but as a versatile offensive weapon — someone who can line up in the slot, work across the middle, stretch the seam, and even help mentor younger players like Pat Freiermuth.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin reportedly advocated strongly for the signing, viewing Hurst as a “perfect fit” for what Pittsburgh hopes to do offensively in 2025 and beyond. With the Steelers expected to lean more on intermediate passing concepts, Hurst gives their new-look offense a dynamic middle-of-the-field presence.

AFC North Fallout: What This Means for the Ravens

The ripple effect of this deal is most intensely felt in Baltimore. The Ravens not only lose a familiar face to a direct rival, but they also now face a player with intimate knowledge of their playbook, personnel tendencies, and locker room culture. For a team that prides itself on tight defense and strategic preparation, this is no small detail.

Ravens GM Eric DeCosta downplayed the significance of the move when asked by local reporters:

“Hayden’s a great player and a great person. We wish him well. We’ll see him twice a year — that’s the business.”

Privately, however, Ravens sources admit there’s concern about Pittsburgh’s increasing aggression in the division. With quarterback Kenny Pickett entering a make-or-break year and the Steelers’ defense still among the best in the league, Hurst could be the final piece that tips close games.

What Hurst Brings to the Steelers Offense

At age 31, Hurst enters Pittsburgh with a clear understanding of who he is as a player. He won’t be mistaken for Travis Kelce or George Kittle — but his versatility, hands, and football IQ make him a dangerous weapon in the right system.

Here’s what he immediately offers the Steelers:

• Reliable Hands: Hurst has a career drop rate under 5%, making him a dependable third-down option.
• Blocking Ability: While not elite, Hurst holds his own in the run game and can contribute in max-protection schemes.
• Veteran Leadership: He brings experience from multiple offensive systems and playoff games.
• Scheme Fit: Pittsburgh’s expected shift toward more tight end–heavy formations plays to Hurst’s strengths as a move TE.

Expect to see Hurst featured heavily in red-zone packages and on third-and-short plays — two areas where the Steelers struggled in 2024.

The Bigger Picture: AFC North Arms Race

The AFC North has become a powder keg of talent and rivalry. With the Bengals, Ravens, and Steelers all gunning for playoff contention — and even the Browns showing flashes — the margins are razor thin.

Here’s how this signing could affect each team:

• Steelers: Gain a veteran playmaker who fills a critical need, helps balance their offensive identity, and adds postseason experience.
• Ravens: Lose potential depth at tight end, while also needing to plan for Hurst’s insight on their defense.
• Bengals: May feel pressure to upgrade at tight end to keep pace with Pittsburgh.
• Browns: Must game-plan for yet another receiving threat within the division.

With Hurst now in black and gold, expect AFC North matchups to be even more tightly contested and emotionally charged.

Final Thoughts: A Bet on Versatility and Veteran Savvy

The Steelers’ decision to invest nearly $80 million in Hayden Hurst may raise some eyebrows, especially given his recent injury history. But viewed from another angle, this deal is a bet on a player who has consistently delivered when healthy, adjusted to multiple offensive systems, and shown the mental toughness to overcome adversity.

For Hurst, it’s a well-earned reward for a career that has taken unpredictable turns — from baseball prospect, to Ravens first-rounder, to NFL journeyman, and now to one of the league’s highest-paid tight ends.

For the Ravens, it’s a reminder that the NFL is not just about X’s and O’s — it’s also about timing, loyalty, and sometimes, painful reunions.

For the AFC North, it’s yet another twist in a division that refuses to stop getting more dramatic, more competitive, and more compelling.