Steelers sign a draft choice

Continuing a recent practice of signing draft choices early, the Steelers have already closed a deal with fourth-round pick Willie Colon (Hofstra). That makes the Steelers the first team to sign a player selected in last month's draft (other than #1 overall pick, Mario Williams, who was signed by the Houston Texans before the draft commenced).

Colon agreed to a three-year, $1.33 million contract, which includes a signing bonus of $283,500. Colon will be paid $275,000 next season, $350,000 in '07, and $425,000 in the final year of the deal.