Steelers agree to terms with 3rd-round pick Spence

Published: May 29, 2012 at 10:39 AM

PITTSBURGH (AP) - The Pittsburgh Pirates have signed third-round pick Sean Spence to a four-year contract. Financial details were not disclosed.

The Steelers chose Spence with the 86th overall pick. The former Miami (Fla.) star gives the Steelers needed depth at linebacker after the team released veteran James Farrior earlier this year.

While allowing it's "impossible" to replace Farrior, a 15-year veteran, linebacker coach Keith Butler was impressed with Spence's speed and instincts. Spence led the Hurricanes with 106 tackles last season but will likely only see times on special teams as a rookie.

Spence says he's eager to learn behind veterans Lawrence Timmons and Larry Foote.

The Steelers have yet to sign first-round pick David DeCastro and second-round pick Mike Adams.

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