Steelers sign Derek Moye, others to reserve/future contracts

The Pittsburgh Steelers signed six players to reserve/future contracts on Wednesday, ensuring that they will be on the Steelers roster once the 2013 season begins.

The Steelers signed wide receiver Derek Moye, safety Ross Ventrone, tackle Joe Long, guard Justin Cheadle, wide receiver Bert Reed, and cornerback Isaiah Green to contracts. Ventrone was a free agent, who spent much of the season in the New England Patriots organization while the other five were all members of the Steelers practice squad.

Moye attended Penn State, where he had the third-most receiving yards in school history. He originally joined the Steelers practice squad on Nov. 7.

Ventrone began his collegiate career at Pitt before transferring to Villanova. He has spent three years in the NFL being frequently signed and released by the Patriots.

Long is the younger brother of Miami Dolphins all-pro tackle Jake Long.

Only players who were not on an active roster at the end of the season are eligible for reserve/future contracts.