The Pittsburgh Steelers have announced that they have re-signed nose tackle Casey Hampton. They’ve also announced that they will be giving Jeff Reed the franchise tag. I’m personally for both of the decisions. While my g/f would say other wise, because I hate on Jeff Reed about as much as anyone can, he’s been clutch, and he’s well worth the $2 .8 million the franchise tag will give him this year.
Kevin Colbert, the director of football operations, had this to say about the recent re-signing of Casey Hampton:
“It was very important for our organization to have a player of Casey’s caliber signed for what we hope is the rest of his career,” director of football operations Kevin Colbert said today at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. “Casey has been a big part of our success and we think he has a lot of football left. Plus, we think he’s one of our true leaders, and to get this free-agency period kicked off early by getting him locked up, means a lot to our organization.”
Personally, this is all well and good. Bringing Casey back gives the Steelers even more options come draft day in April. They desperately
Casey Hampton of the Pittsburgh Steelers
need an immediate starter at corner back, or their offensive line. It’s gotten to the point that it actually feels like a dire need. Their line is in shambles, their secondary is in great need of help, and it’s only going to get worse as they Steelers aren’t known for getting big name free agents.
Here’s a little more information about the Hampton singing:
Hampton, who will be 33 years old next season, will remain with the Steelers through the 2012 season under the new deal. Hampton would have been paid a $7 million salary if he had been franchised.
“We are pleased to know that Casey Hampton will be a member of our team for years to come,” said Steelers President Art Rooney II. “Casey has been an important member of our club for nearly a decade, and we hope that this contract will allow him to finish his career as a Pittsburgh Steeler.”
Well that’s just wonderful. Now let’s move onto the actual black sheep of the organization. Jeff Reed. Jeff is a strange guy. He’s about as clutch as you can get, but in general he’s just a drunk moron. I personally don’t agree with his conduct, but if the Steelers are willing to look the other way and deal with it, then I guess we all can too.
“Our goal is to lock Jeff up long-term and have him finish his career with the Steelers,” Colbert said. “He’s aware when the process gets to this point, we all need to buy some time. As long as players and agents are willing to stay with the team, and the team wants you, you’re going to get a deal done. We want to keep Jeff as long as we can.”
Jeff Reed of the Pittsburgh Steelers
Great deal, and glad to have him. The Franchise Tag is always a tricky one. Two parties can agree and say they want to get the contract done, knowing that in fact no contract will be finalized. I’d like to see him stay on skills alone, but we know anything could happen.
It also turns out that Ryan Clark, WILL NOT be franchised, leaving his contract status as still open and undecided at this point. His agent however says that they are diligently working for the best results. I’d like to see him re-signed, but he’s another guy who I don’t think looks half as good without Troy. Of course Troy makes everyone better, but it was incredibly evident last year, Troy needs help.
Quotes and information used from this article from the Post Gazette
Thu, Feb 25, 2010
Sports