Durham, N.C. — Duke defensive end Patrick Bailey has signed a free agent contract with the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers, the Blue Devils announced Monday.

“It is really exciting,” said Bailey. “It is what I have been looking for. I wanted to get that shot and this is my opportunity so I have to go out there and make the best of what chance I have.”

Bailey, a native of Elmendorf, Texas, was a four-year letterwinner for the Blue Devils. He played 36 career games with 26 starts. He finished his career with 191 tackles, 24.5 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, one interception, one fumble recovery and four caused fumbles. He was off to a great start his senior year ranking in the top-10 in the ACC in sacks (4.5) and tackles for loss (7.0) before suffering a season-ending knee injury against Wake Forest. He also has previous experience playing in a similar defensive system as the Steelers.
“My junior year our defensive coordinator ran the same defense as the Steelers and we used to watch film on them,” said Bailey. “I always saw myself playing that same position (rush end) and it ended up being a good fit.”