The Steelers, who had only one quarterback under contract for 2012 — Ben Roethlisberger — signed their second of the week when they announced that Troy Smith, the 2006 Heisman Trophy winner at Ohio State, was among six more players added to their roster for next season.
Smith, who was drafted and played for the Baltimore Ravens, is among the latest group of players the team has signed to a reserve/futures contract.
The list includes former Penn State wide receiver Derrick Williams and cornerback Walter McFadden, the younger brother of Steelers cornerback Bryant McFadden and a former Cincinnati Bengal.
The Ravens drafted Smith in the fifth round in 2007, and he was a backup in Baltimore for three seasons. He was with San Francisco in ’10, then with the Omaha Nighthawks of the UFL last season.
Smith started the regular-season finale in ’07 against the Steelers at Baltimore, helping the Ravens to a 27-21 victory.
It was the only time a rookie quarterback has beaten a Dick LeBeau Steelers defense. He completed 16 of 27 for 171 yards with one touchdown, no interceptions and a 90.2 passer rating that day.
Quarterback Jerrod Johnson of Texas A&M previously signed a futures contract with the Steelers.
The Steelers are looking for a No. 3 quarterback. They expect to re-sign Byron Leftwich to back up Roethlisberger. Dennis Dixon and Charlie Batch are both unrestricted free agents. Dixon is not expected back.
Williams, drafted in the third round by Detroit in ’09, was waived by the Lions before the start of last season.
Others signed included wide receivers Tyler Beiler, Jimmy Young and David Gilreath.
About the Author Jim McMillen
The Editor & Chief, the brains so to say, behind Pittsburgh Blitz. Jim is a rabid sports fan who just loves his Stillers, Pens and Buccos. Feel free to contact us at steelerguy26[@]yahoo.com if you have any questions or comments or would like to join our staff and write for Pittsburgh Blitz.
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