Defensive end Brett Keisel has said several times this offseason that he’d like to continue his playing career and it looks like a return to Pittsburgh remains a possibility.
Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that the Steelers “remain interested” in having Keisel back for a 13th season with the club and that he would probably already be back with the team if he weren’t looking for more than the Steelers are offering. Per Bouchette, the Steelers want to pay Keisel a salary of $955,000 with a signing bonus of $65,000 under the minimum salary benefit rule.
Under the terms of such a contract, Keisel would only count $635,000 against the Steelers’ cap. The Steelers gained some more space under their cap on June 1 as a result of linebacker LaMarr Woodley’s release earlier in the offseason.
Keisel started 12 games for the Steelers last year, recording 29 tackles, four sacks and a forced fumble. With rookie Stephon Tuitt joining the defensive end group this year, Keisel, who turns 36 in September, would likely be looking at a reduced workload.