The Steelers have signed offensive lineman David DeCastro, their first-round pick in this year's NFL Draft, to a four-year deal with an option for a fifth year. That means the Steelers have their entire roster signed except for wide receiver Mike Wallace.
Full financial terms of DeCastro's contract don't appear to be out yet, but it should come in at a bit under $8 million. Steelers Depot notes that the recent signings of fellow first-round picks Riley Reiff (Lions) and Dont'a Hightower (Patriots) helped set the market for DeCastro.
The Detroit Lions signing of their first round draft pick, tackle Riley Reiff, earlier in the day, effectively boxed DeCastro in and his signing was pretty much eminent at that point. The hold up in getting DeCastro signed this entire time was likely due to negotiations over how much of the fourth and final year of the deal would be guaranteed.
New England Patriots linebacker Dont'a Hightower, who was selected one pick after DeCastro this past April, reportedly did not receive any portion of his fourth and final year guaranteed when he signed late last week and it is believed the same went for Reiff, who was selected one pick ahead of DeCastro.
We'll soon see how exactly DeCastro's contract breaks down. DeCastro was widely considered to be a great pick at No. 24 overall, given his value and the Steelers' problems at the guard position last season. He's expected to start at right guard this season.