On the same day that the Steelers faced a deadline for deciding whether to use the franchise tag on veteran nose tackle Casey Hampton, the two sides have finalized a new deal.
According to KDKA-TV, the Steelers have reached an agreement with Hampton. It’s expected to be announced later today.
It’s a three-year, $21 million contract, with $11 million guaranteed.
The 325-pounder (when weighed with one foot on the ground) joined the Steelers in 2001 as a first-round draft pick, and he has been a key member of the team’s 3-4 defense, which requires the presence of a large, athletic man who can tie up blockers in the middle of the line.
If the Steelers had used the franchise tag on Hampton, he would have been entitled to a one-year, $7 million contract.
The $7 million average over three years falls far short of the high end of the market for defensive lineman, which currently is in the range of $12 million annually.