Steelers Re-Sign LB Farrior Via Five-Year, $18.2 Million Contract

Pittsburgh, PA (AHN) - The Pittsburgh Steelers rewarded veteran linebacker James Farrior with a five-year contract extension worth $18.2 million Thursday.

The deal includes a $5 million signing bonus, with the contract's first three years amounting to $12.6 million. Farrior is set to receive $3.24 million in the final year of his contract in 2013.

The 33-year-old linebacker is coming off his sixth season in the Steel City and 11th year in the NFL.

He has missed just two games since arriving in Pittsburgh in 2002 and has been one of the most consistent members of the Steelers' defensive unit.

Last season, the Richmond, VA, native made a total of 96 tackles and a career-best 6 ? sacks. He also had one interception, two forced fumbles and eight pass deflections.

In 168 games in the NFL, the former first-round pick has made 1,000-plus total tackles, 21 sacks, 10 interceptions, 15 forced fumbles and broken up 53 passes.