The Steelers will take full advantage of the rules governing the uncapped season.
On the same day word leaked that the team will use the franchise tag on Casey Hampton, NFL Network’s Jason La Canfora reports the team will use the transition tag on kicker Jeff Reed.
Reed can sign an offer sheet elsewhere, but the Steelers will have the right to match the offer. The eight-year veteran will make $2.629 million if he signs a one-year contract as the team’s transition player.
We won’t be surprised if Reed plays under the one-year contract. The recent Sebastian Janikowski contract could make a long-term deal tough, but the presence of Jay Feely, Neil Rackers, and Shayne Graham on the open market may keep teams from bothering to bring in Reed.
Add it all up, and the Steelers should be keeping their very own liquored up kicker.