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Steelers sign OT Wesley Johnson, LB Jordan Zumwalt to rookie contracts

The Steelers ink two more draft picks on the first day of OTAs practice.

Joe Sargent

The Steelers signed two more rookies to contracts Tuesday, multiple sources, including WPXI's Bill Phillips, are reporting. They came to terms with fifth-round offensive tackle Wesley Johnson and sixth-round linebacker Jordan Zumwalt.

The Steelers began their first of 10 OTAs Tuesday. The only rookie not present was Zumwalt, who is forced to miss most of OTAs due to an NFL rule prohibiting players from joining their pro teams until their college class completes its term.

Johnson, a zone-blocking tackle out of Vanderbilt, is expected to compete for a deep utility role his rookie season. Zumwalt, a passionate and aggressive player, will begin his career as an outside linebacker, and could contribute on special teams early in his career.

Sixth-round nose tackle Daniel McCullers and seventh-round tight end Rob Blanchflower signed contracts last week.

The signings won't impact the Steelers' salary cap, as the cap numbers for both players will be under the salary of the 51st highest paid player on the Steelers - wide receiver Derrick Moye. In the offseason, the top 51 contracts count against the salary cap.

The Steelers are under the cap by about $350,000, meaning they will not be able to come to contractual terms with their top four picks - LB Ryan Shazier, defensive end Stephon Tuitt, WR Dri Archer and WR Martavis Bryant - until the contract of LaMarr Woodley comes off the books June 2.

Their second of two fifth round picks, cornerback Shaq Richardson, won't count against the cap either, but has not yet signed. It would seem logical his signing will be announced shortly.