Akiem Hicks signs with Saints
METAIRIE — The New Orleans Saints and third-round draft choice Akiem Hicks have agreed on four-year contract, General Manager Mickey Loomis said.
Hicks, a 6-foot-5, 324-pound defensive tackle, was the top overall draft pick by the Saints, who traded this year’s first-round choice in 2011 and who lost their 2012 second-round pick in connection with the NFL’s bounty investigation.
Hicks, who briefly transferred to LSU from junior college but never played for the Tigers, finished his college career at the University of Regina in Canada.
There, Hicks started all eight games in which he appeared as a senior last season and was credited with 42 total tackles, including eight tackles for losses, 61/2 sacks and two forced fumbles.
Financial terms of Hicks’ deal were not released.
Steelers
TEAM SIGNS FORMER LSU LINEBACKER: In Pittsburgh, the Steelers have waived former Pitt linebacker Brandon Lindsey and signed former LSU linebacker Ryan Baker.
Lindsey signed with the Steelers as an undrafted free agent after a stellar career with the Panthers.
Baker was a second-team All-Southeastern Conference selection following his senior year at LSU last fall. He had 58 tackles and 11/2 sacks last season for the Tigers.
The 5-foot-11, 232-pound Baker is considered a long shot to make the team. The Steelers have plenty of depth at linebacker after selecting former Miami (Fla.) linebacker Sean Spence in the third round of the NFL draft.
Lions
DT FAIRLEY PLEADS NOT GUILTY: In Mobile, Ala., Lions defensive tackle Nick Fairley has pleaded not guilty on charges that include drunken driving following his arrest last month near his hometown of Mobile.
A lawyer for the former Auburn star entered the plea in a document filed Wednesday in Mobile County District Court.
Fairley is asking a judge to set a trial date on charges that include DUI, having an open container of alcohol, reckless driving, attempting to elude police and failure to have proof of insurance.
The 24-year-old Fairley was arrested last month. Authorities say he passed a state trooper driving about 100 mph in rural Mobile County.
Fairley was a first-round draft pick for the Lions. He helped lead Auburn to the national title in 2010 and won the Lombardi Trophy as a junior.