PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers today signed linebacker James Farrior to a five-year, $18.2 million contract with a $5 million signing bonus.

A former Matoaca High School and University of Virginia standout, Farrior will make $12.6 million over the first three seasons. The last two years of the deal are meant to lessen the salary cap impact of the deal.

Farrior's agent, Ralph Cindrich, said the contract is meant to keep the 12-year veteran with the team until he retires.

Farrior played for the New York Jets before joining the Steelers as a free agent in 2002. He was a Steelers' defensive co-captain in 2004 when he made his first trip to the Pro Bowl.

-- The Associated Press