The Pittsburgh Steelers signed first-round draft pick Lawrence Timmons to a five-year deal on Sunday. Timmons, a linebacker chosen with the 15th overall pick, signed a deal worth around $15 million with about $8 million guaranteed. Timmons signed just before the Steelers' training camp began with its full squad. Steelers new head coach Mike Tomlin wanted to make sure there were no contract issues heading into camp.

"It [was] important because the train started moving at 4 p.m. Monday," Tomlin said. "It is tough to get on a moving train if you haven't tried before."

Timmons is supposedly healthy again after missing time due to injury earlier in the offseason. Timmons recorded 126 tackles, 8 sacks, and 1 interception en route to an impressive season to put him on the map last year. After the team said goodbye to veteran linebacker Joey Porter, a guy like Timmons was needed to fill the gap in the team's new defensive system. However, chances are that outside linebacker James Harrison will begin the season as a starter, unless Timmons overly impresses.

Also on the defensive side of the ball, the Steelers signed safety Troy Polamalu to a four-year contract extension worth $30.19 on Monday, making him the highest-paid player in franchise history. Polamalu is seen as the face of the Steelers secondary, as he can virtually play all over the field on any given Sunday.

"I didn't want to be a player who is jumping from team to team," Polamalu said. "I've always felt comfortable here, I think this organization, this tradition they have here, is very legendary and I always wanted to be part of this."

Getting Polamalu's contract situated was another important issue for Tomlin, following the trend he has created in his first year as head coach.