Keisel close to new deal

[PghSteel-43]

The Steelers are closing in on a five-year contract with defensive end Brett Keisel that could be finalized today.

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09243/994451-66.stm#ixzz0PjrRxkQw

[PghSteel-43]

The Steelers have signed veteran defensive end Brett Keisel to a five-year contract, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said today at a news conference.

"I think it's no secret that he's our kind of guy," Tomlin said of Keisel, who had been entering the final year of his contract.

Among those released by the Steelers were wide receivers Martin Nance and Steven Black as well as center Alex Stepanovich and safety Derrick Richardson.

In other news from Tomlin's new conference, starting inside linebacker Lawrence Timmons is unlikely to play in the final preseason game Thursday because of a left ankle injury.

Timmons was seen walking around the Steelers' practice facility today in a boot and Tomlin did not say that he would definitely be ready for the regular-season opener Sept. 10 against the Tennessee Titans.

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/s_640883.html

[Merman1983]

I like Keisel, solid player, great locker room guy, should be a good part of the D-Line rotation for the life of that contract.

I wonder if this means Snack is asking for the moon and a King's Buffet as part of his next contract. I mean I would have expected them to extend him before Keisel because, well, who the hell is going to play NT next year? Maybe a year of Hoke and the draft and groom a guy?

[leighclay]

I love Keisel.  Seems like a great guy & a tough all-round player.

Hope that Snacks isn't being unreasonable, but we'll see.  What happens, happens.