A couple of hours after signing cornerback Steven Nelson to a three-year contract, the Steelers made a move to keep one of their own in town, bringing back linebacker Anthony Chickillo.
The deal is worth two years at $8 million.
The move helps shore up the team's depth at outside linebacker. Chickillo, a sixth-round draft pick out of Miami (Fla.) in 2015, has been the team's primary backup at outside linebacker the past three seasons, appearing in 54 games and making nine starts.
He's recorded 62 career tackles and seven sacks. He's also been a key contributor on special teams.
Chickillo, 26, was one of just three outside linebackers carried by the team for most of last season until undrafted rookie Ola Adeniyi was activated from IR late in the year. He rotated with starters Bud Dupree and T.J. Watt, playing 265 defensive snaps.
LOLLEY'S VIEW
This could be the first move for the Steelers in doing something with Dupree before the new league year opens at 4 p.m. Wednesday. Dupree's $9.2-million salary becomes fully guaranteed at that point.
The team wouldn't have been in a great bargaining position with Dupree if Adeniyi was the only other outside linebacker on the roster with NFL experience. Now, the Steelers can approach Dupree about a pay cut or extension. If he declines either, they have an option to release him and at least have a player capable of stepping in to play, if needed.
Chickillo also is a valuable special teams player and good locker room presence. The price tag is a little high, but that tells you a little about what the team thinks of the former collegiate defensive lineman.