The Pittsburgh Steelers signed restricted free agent nose tackle Steve McLendon Thursday to a three-year contract.
Terms of the deal weren’t disclosed, but NFL.com reported that it could be worth as much as $7.5 million. Steelers long-time nose tackle Casey Hampton is an unrestricted free agent who isn’t expected to return.
McLendon visited the Green Bay Packers on Wednesday, originally signed with the Steelers as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2009. He appeared in all 16 games during the 2012 season, and recorded a career-high two sacks.
Friday is the deadline for teams to submit offer sheets to restricted free agents.