Sands first spoke with the Steelers during the draft on Sunday. Pittsburgh team officials called him during the late rounds to tell him that if he did not end up getting selected, he would be signed as a free agent on Monday.
Sands said he also had had conversations with the Arizona Cardinals and the New Orleans Saints before agreeing in principle with the Steelers yesterday.
The day after the draft is traditionally a busy time for free agent signings, as teams scramble to claim unselected college players who have the raw skills to play competitively at the pro level.
In addition to Sands, the Steelers also agreed to terms with 12 other college free agents yesterday. Those players will accompany the team's nine draft selections at rookie orientation later this week.
Sands said he knows he will face tough competition for a roster spot, but he remains optimistic about his chances nonetheless.
"They drafted another guy similar to me in the sixth round," Sands said. "But I'm just going to do everything I can. I'm real excited about just having the chance to play."
Sands, who hails from Cleveland Heights, OH, said he has several friends in the greater Pittsburgh area who are excited about the chance to watch him play for the renowned Iron Curtain defense.