The Steelers haven’t signed any of their picks from the first four rounds, but they’ve completed contracts for the five players selected in the final three rounds of the draft.
The last to agree to his four-year deal was cornerback Shaquille Richardson. The team announced that Richardson signed on Thursday, leaving them with four players left to sign before the entire rookie class is under contract.
Richardson started 34 games at Arizona over the last three seasons, picking up eight interceptions and catching the eye of Steelers defensive backs coach Carnell Lake for the second time. Lake first came in contact with Richardson when Lake was at UCLA and Richardson was a recruit headed to Los Angeles. He wound up in Arizona after being released from the UCLA program after being arrested as an incoming freshman.
Richardson is 6-0 and showed good athletic ability during both his collegiate career and pre-draft workouts, which works well for his chances of earning a sizable role in the Pittsburgh secondary at some point. This season may be too soon, but Ike Taylor’s near the end of the line and Richardson could put himself in position to take over if he progresses well in the Steeler system.
The Steelers also announced that they have signed rookie free agent offensive lineman Emmanuel McCray and claimed cornerback Deion Belue off waivers from the Dolphins. They released offensive linemen Nik Embernate and Kaycee Ike.