Davenport agrees to 2-year deal

Mar/03/07 10:10 AM Filed in: Najeh Davenport
The Steelers signed backup running back Najeh Davenport to a two-year, $2 million contract yesterday, paying him the kind of money that should put him high in their plans for next season.

Davenport, who would have become an unrestricted free agent, received a $405,000 signing bonus, a salary of $595,000 this year and $1 million next year. He is entering his sixth season in the NFL.

The Steelers signed Davenport to a one-year contract after their first game last season when Green Bay released him. He eventually became their backup to starter Willie Parker after Verron Haynes was injured at midseason. New coach Mike Tomlin has stated a preference for using two running backs, something that is becoming a trend in the NFL.

Davenport, 6 feet 1 and 247 pounds, gained 221 yards on 60 carries last season and also returned kickoffs.

(post-gazette.com)