Steelers/NFL
The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed former Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith to a reserve/futures contract. Smith last season played for Omaha of the UFL. Smith who won Heisman Trophy at Ohio State in 2006, was the Ravens 5th round pick in 2007. Smith was a member of the Ravens from 2007-2009 and played for the San Francisco 49ers in 2010. Appearing in 20 career NFL games, Smith has completed 51.7% of his passes, throwing 8 touchdowns and 5 interceptions for 1,734 yards. Smith has a career quarterback rating of 78.5.
In 2010 with the 49ers, Smith was 73 of 145 for 1,176 yards, with 5 touchdowns and 4 interceptions in six games played.
Smith has the ability to possibly compete for the No. 3 quarterback position next season. The Steelers expect to resign Byron Leftwich as their No. 2 quarterback.
Charlie Batch and Dennis Dixon are also free agents. Dixon has no interest in returning.
The Steelers earlier this week announced that OG John Malecki, TE Jamie McCoy, OT Chris Scott, OT Trevis Turner and DT Corbin Bryant have re-signed with the team after spending part or all of the 2011 season on the clubâs practice squad. Bryant was the only player to spend time on the active roster in Week 7 against the Arizona Cardinals.
The Steelers also signed quarterback Jerrod Johnson, defensive lineman Mike Blanc, defensive tackle Kade Weston, linebacker Marshall McFadden, defensive back Antonio Smith, CB Walter McFadden, WR Tyler Beiler, WR David Gilreath, WR Jimmy Young and former Penn State WR Derrick Williams, a former 3rd round pick of the Detroit Lions who was released prior to the season.
