Steelers sign another late draft pick, LB Sutton Smith

Chris Adamski
Tuesday, May 7, 2019 4:19 p.m. | Tuesday, May 7, 2019 4:19 p.m.

Steelers draft pick Sutton Smith as a two-time Mid-American Conference Defensive Player of the Year at Northern Illinois

The Pittsburgh Steelers continued to get their draft picks under contract Tuesday, as linebacker Sutton Smith became the second player to agree to terms.

The first of three sixth-round picks the Steelers made last month, Smith was a two-time Mid-American Conference Defensive Player of the Year at Northern Illinois. He had 29 sacks the past two seasons as an edge rusher.

The Steelers, though, are considering moving the 6-foot, 233-pound Smith to inside linebacker.

We have signed LB Sutton Smith to a four-year deal.@BordasLaw TRANSACTION: https://t.co/DRHNBmt0w8 pic.twitter.com/1q6lOGsgQx

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) May 7, 2019

Smith was taken with the 175th overall pick, 17 slots before they grabbed Alabama defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs. The Steelers also announced Buggs’ signing Tuesday.

Always a good day when you get Sutton Smith highlights. High motor player & is electric off the edge. In 10 years, NIU has had two players go in round one: Larry English ('09) & Jimmie Ward ('13) It'll be interesting to see the buzz that Smith gets all season long. I'm a big fan. pic.twitter.com/8Uml1OtYz1

— Russell Brown (@RussNFLDraft) August 4, 2018

Financial terms were not disclosed, but NFL draft picks are based on a slotting system, so there is little negotiating.

Seven draft picks have yet to sign.

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Chris Adamski is a TribLive reporter who has covered primarily the Pittsburgh Steelers since 2014 following two seasons on the Penn State football beat. A Western Pennsylvania native, he joined the Trib in 2012 after spending a decade covering Pittsburgh sports for other outlets. He can be reached at cadamski@triblive.com.