Mendenhall signs; role is relief of Parker and kickoff returns

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Steelers signed running back Rashard Mendenhall Friday, agreeing to a five-year contract with their first-round draft pick two days before training camp opens.

The Steelers announced Mendenhall’s signing in a news release. Neither the team nor Mendenhall was immediately available for comment.

The 5-foot-10, 225-pound Mendenhall, the 23rd overall pick out of Illinois, is expected to discuss his contract when he arrives for training camp this weekend.

Limas Sweed, a wide receiver out of Texas and the Steelers’ second-round pick, is the team’s only unsigned draft pick, but coach Mike Tomlin and director of football operations Kevin Colbert have said they expect him to be signed in time for the start of training camp Sunday at St. Vincent College, near Latrobe.

Mendenhall’s contract is reportedly worth nearly $12.6 million, with $7.125 million guaranteed.

“Both Rashard and I are thrilled,” said Mendenhall’s agent, Mike McCartney of Priority Sports in Chicago. “It’s always an anxious time before training camp for players. He can now put the business side behind him. ... and work on helping the team win. That’s what he wants to focus on.”

Mendenhall is expected to return kicks and spell Willie Parker, whose 2007 season was cut short by a broken leg.