[bears9]

LAKE FOREST, Ill. – The Bears on Monday signed fourth-round draft pick Craig Steltz (120th overall), a safety from LSU, to a four-year contract. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“I don’t think it’s hit me yet,” Steltz said moments after signing. “It’s crazy that this day already came. It’s the day you’ve really worked for your whole life—to have the opportunity to step on the field and play professional football—so it’s pretty cool.”


Steltz is an instinctive, tough and intelligent safety who emerged as a senior before sustaining a hairline fracture of his scapula, or shoulder blade, in the national championship game last Jan. 7.

Steltz started all 14 games last season, registering 101 tackles, seven pass breakups and six interceptions. As a junior in 2006, he had 42 tackles, nine pass breakups and four interceptions while becoming the first player in LSU history to pick off a pass in four straight games.

After lining up as the second team free safety during the Bears’ minicamp over the weekend, Steltz is pleased with the progress he’s making.

Bears sign fourth-round pick Steltz to four-year deal - Chicago Bears