The Pittsburgh Steelers have announced that defensive end Brett Keisel, a three-year starter, has agreed to terms on a new contract.
It's a five-year deal, effective through 2013. So it's a four-year extension of his current contract.
Keisel was due to earn a base salary of $3.25 million in 2009, the final year of his deal.
The Steelers do not negotiate contracts once the regular season begins. Thus, barring some late developments, the following players (per the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette) will become free agents after the 2009 season: nose tackle Casey Hampton, running back Willie Parker, offensive tackle Willie Colon, safety Ryan Clark, center Justin Hartwig, and kicker Jeff Reed.
barring a new CBA, Colon will be a Restricted Free agent...
Reed and Clark must be the next priorities.
The coaches are clearly taking a "wait and see" approach with Clark as he has been known to get bit by the injury bug now and again.
And Reed has clearly figured out to kick at Heinz field which many can't do.
Remember Kris Brown, Steeler fans!
throwtoheath - you're dead on.
If it's between Clark and Reed, I'd lock up Reed.
throwtoheath - you're dead on.
If it's between Clark and Reed, I'd lock up Reed.
I wouldn't be shocked if they let Reed walk, as well as Clark. The guy I don't want to lose is Hampton, and I really cant understand how we are going to keep him.
Keisel deserves a new contract, but he better watch over his shoulder b/c Ziggy Hood will be cracking the starting lineup sooner than later w/ 3 sacks in the preseason.
@president charlie
Hood is, according the post-gazette, the main back up for the opposite side where Aaron Smith plays.
Quote from Ed Bouchette, PPG: "Hood has practiced almost exclusively on the left side, where Aaron Smith starts."
I think Keisel's job is safe, barring injury. Hood maybe gets a crash course on playing the right side if that happens.
Clark is more important to the Steelers . He allows Troy to be Troy .
Maybe Hood could take over Hampton's spot next year.
Clark is a solid free safety, but Troy can make any safety that plays with him look exponentially better. I was upset when the Steelers had to part ways with Chris Hope, but one thing remains the same...Polamalu is a beast!
Just throwing this out there...Chris Hope or Ryan Clark?