Steelers Ink First-Round Pick Hood to a Five-Year Deal

The Steelers have been a model NFL franchise when it comes to getting their first-round picks inked avoiding a long hold out, and in 2009, that will be no exception. The team Saturday came to terms with first-round pick Evander “Ziggy” Hood on a five-year deal. The money involved in the deal was not disclosed by the club.

Hood, a defensive end from Missouri, will sign the contract later this week, as the team will report to St.Vincent on July 31st for training camp to look to defend what was their 6th NFL title last season.

If your wondering how good the Steelers are at getting first round picks signed, consider that since Heinz Field opened back in the 2001 season, the team has never have had their first round pick pick miss even one week of camp.

Casey Hampton missed two days; Kendall Simmons missed one; Troy Polamalu missed three; and Ben Roethlisberger missed four, which is unheard of by most NFL teams.

As of late Saturday, Hood is only the fourth first-round NFL draft pick to come to a deal. All the Steelers draft picks are now inked and will be on hand when camp starts. All 80 players on their roster will be under contract as well.