Steelers, Zereoue agree to four-year deal
PITTSBURGH (AP) – The Pittsburgh Steelers agreed to terms on a four-year, $8.8 million-dollar contract with running back Amos Zereoue. Zereoue could sign the contract Thursday when the Steelers wrap up their minicamp. If he does, he’ll collect a signing bonus of $2.15 million, according to published reports.
The Steelers don’t release contract terms and Zereoue’s agent, Stephen Hayes didn’t immediately return calls.
Zereoue will earn $689,000 in salary this season, meaning his salary cap value will be about $1.219 million, a fraction less than the $1.227 million Zereoue would have cost the Steelers under his old deal.
The contract terms signal that the Steelers intend to use Zereoue in a major role. Used mostly as a third-down back, Zereoue had a breakout season last year when Pro Bowl running back Jerome Bettis missed six games with an injury.
Including the playoffs, Zereoue ran for 515 yards on 113 carries and caught 19 passes for 217 yards. Zereoue had two touchdowns in the regular season, but added three more in two playoff games.
The contract offer comes as Zereoue continues his recovery from a procedure earlier this spring to remove a benign cyst from his liver. The 5-foot-8, 207-pound Zereoue lost 12 pounds, but has regained the weight and is expected to fully recover. He has not practiced in minicamp because the Steelers don’t want to rush his recovery.
Zereoue will become the 12th player to sign a multiyear contract since the end of last season. The Steelers have spent $25.8 million on signing bonuses in an effort to keep virtually intact a team that lost in the AFC Championship game.