The Pittsburgh Steelers made a classy move for one of their most loved players, converting the majority of injured linebacker Ryan Shazier's $8.72-million base salary in 2018 into a signing bonus, meaning he'll receive the money immediately, ESPN's Adam Schefter and Field Yates report.

Shazier has already been ruled out of next season after he underwent spinal stabilization surgery Dec. 6.

Related: Shazier still targeting Pro Bowl, All-Pro honors after spinal injury

The playmaking linebacker was able to walk out onto the 2018 NFL Draft stage recently to announce one of Pittsburgh's selections.