Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post reports the Pittsburgh Steelers have signed fourth-round linebacker Thaddeus Gibson to a three-year contract.

Financial terms were not disclosed at this time.

Gibson started 23 games at defensive end for Ohio State University, replacing Vernon Gholston for the 2008 season. In 35 career games, Gibson totaled 82 tackles, including 25 for a loss and 10 quarterback sacks, and earned second-team All-Big Ten honors after the 2009 season.

Gibson declared for the 2010 NFL Draft after his junior year, citing his mother's health issues as playing a role in his decision.

The 6-2, 243-pound native of Euclid, Ohio posted a 4.58-second time in the 40-yard dash, improving upon a pedestrian 4.78-second time at the 2010 Scouting Combine. Gibson also did 32 reps on the bench press, and showed off a 32" vertical leap and 9'07" broad jump.

Gibson, who is the first of the Steelers' 10 draft choices to agree to a contract, adds depth to the Steelers' linebackers corps, and will make his immediate mark on special teams.