Ryan Shazier won't play a down in 2018, but he's still getting paid.
In a remarkable gesture, the Steelers converted $8.26 million of the linebacker's $8.718 million base salary for 2018 into a signing bonus.
According to ESPN, which cited an unidentified source, Shazier will receive the money right away.
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In an anticipated move, the Steelers placed Shazier on the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform list on Wednesday. He won't count against the 90-man offseason roster but is still expected to be involved with the team.
Shazier, 25, is still rehabbing from a serious back injury suffered in December that required spinal stabilisation surgery and left him in a wheelchair.
Still, he's been seen doing pull-ups at the gym and hyping the crowd at PPG Paints Arena during Penguins games.
He most recently made an inspiring walk across the stage at the NFL Draft last week to announce the team's first-round pick, which will be remembered as one of the most notable moments in draft history.