According to NFL.com, Steelers "expect" to re-sign Casey and Clark

[Steelerdipwad]

But let Carter go. I could live with that.

http://blogs.nfl.com/2010/01/27/steelers-expected-to-re-sign-dt-hampton-s-clark/

It would make it easier to take the BPA in the draft.

[SCacalaki]

Ty Carter sucks

[Finnegans Wake]

Sounds good to me.  I've had criticisms of both players to some extent this year, but think it would be very difficult to simply part ways and get some FA or rook to fill.  Allows us to go late in the draft for NTs who might be projects, e.g.

[Preacherman0]

It's hard to imagine paying Snack the kind of money he wants.  But it's also hard to imagine finding a reasonable replacement for him at any better price. 

Plus, assuming that Colbert has done some homework (and let's hope he has), I'm guessing that they don't see an equivalent NT in the draft that will be available.

[Gnutella]

I imagine we'll extend Hampton for three more seasons, and draft a NT in 2011.

[Joetorious]

Hampton's performance last season was very underwhelming, IMO. And for some reason, Chris Hoke's '04 season always makes me think he would be more than capable of being the NT again - and a good one - if necessary. Has Hoke's play deteriorated and I just haven't noticed it, or was he never as good as I thought he was that season?

[Preacherman0]

Hampton's performance last season was very underwhelming, IMO. And for some reason, Chris Hoke's '04 season always makes me think he would be more than capable of being the NT again - and a good one - if necessary. Has Hoke's play deteriorated and I just haven't noticed it, or was he never as good as I thought he was that season?

Hoke is an overachiever.  He doesn't have the speed, quickness, or dominating potential of the big-time interior guys like Hamp, Williams, Wilfork, etc.  But he works/plays his arse off (as he did in '04) and just gets the job done.  As good as Hampton CAN be?  No.  But he is still a very good and undervalued player.

My frustration with your point is this:  Why do we not see Hoke more often?  Either at NT or DT, because he could play both, IMO.

[Finnegans Wake]

I dunno, the times I've seen Hokie in rotation since 2004, he's been OK, nothing special.  Was that just a magic year?  Overachiever seems right.

Three-year deal, draft a NT now to start next year?

[Steelerdipwad]

I dunno, the times I've seen Hokie in rotation since 2004, he's been OK, nothing special.  Was that just a magic year?  Overachiever seems right.

Three-year deal, draft a NT now to start next year?

I agree, Hoke's good, not great. The defense takes a step back when Casey comes out.

Thing about drafting a NT, if you keep Hampton and Hoke, that's 3 NT's on the roster. Not sure it makes sense to carry 3. It would be like carrying 3 centers.

[Preacherman0]

Thing about drafting a NT, if you keep Hampton and Hoke, that's 3 NT's on the roster. Not sure it makes sense to carry 3. It would be like carrying 3 centers.

If we draft one this year and like what we see, then Hoke could be odd man out.  I really like the guy, but that's just the way it goes.  Perhaps we franchise Hamp and give a kid a year to develop.

Or, we sing Snack, look for a NT in 2011 and drop Hoke then.

[aj_law]

Extend Clark.  Franchise Hampton...it's the cheapest position to tag.

[Finnegans Wake]

We carried Hampton, Hoke and Paxton in '08 as NTs.

Can Hokie play end?  I still like his motor, but agree he might be odd man out.

[Preacherman0]

Can Hokie play end?  I still like his motor, but agree he might be odd man out.

Still do not understand why we have not attempted this.

His best quality may be the ability to fill in at any dline position. 

[Brinker]

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10029/1031889-66.stm

Reed is their top priority...and I agree he should be

[Finnegans Wake]

Best idea might be to tag Hamp, keep Hokie as a utility DL, and cut someone like Kirshke.

I don't care if Reed is a drunk asshole.  He's a kicker, kickers are the jokers of the pack.  But at least Reed is reliable on FGs, and that's no small feat at Heinz.

New STs coach Everest should seriously try Robopunter's leg on KOs tho.

[aj_law]

Also, FWIW, there are a bunch of FA safeties this offseason so that could help to keep Clark's price down.  If they even want to go in that direction in the first place.

Honestly, with Reed, I don't care one way or another.  It really boils down to how much he's willing to take to "retire a Steeler."  If he stays though, they should consider equipping his locker with a tap.  Ya wanna try to maximize as much value as possible from their investment.

[msdmnr2002]

I'll say this - reading that article changed my opinion on Reed somewhat.  I knew he was doing well, but didn't know if he was worth the off field stuff.  But if he's in the top 10 all time in accuracy when he's kicking at Heinz half the time?  I can live with it.  We might go through a lot of kickers before we find another who can make them as often on that field.

[Joetorious]

I'll say this - reading that article changed my opinion on Reed somewhat.  I knew he was doing well, but didn't know if he was worth the off field stuff.  But if he's in the top 10 all time in accuracy when he's kicking at Heinz half the time?  I can live with it.  We might go through a lot of kickers before we find another who can make them as often on that field.

Yeah, I like Reed's accuracy, but aside from his off-the-field issues (which, to be honest, don't piss me off, but rather just make me think he's a lame-ass), my gripe with him is that he's 2X liability on kickoffs. Not only does he usually fail to kick it deep, but once he kicks it, it's 11-on-10 in favor of the bad guys, as Reed outright refuses to make a tackle or even serve as any sort of obstacle for the returner.

Re-sign him for his FG prowess, but for the love of God, try what FW suggested with Sepulveda or sign a "kickoff specialist."

[Y2Joyce]

Ive been trying to replace/supplement Hampton since the days of Amobi Okoye (home run), once i knew we werent getting AP (grand slam), and nobody had the value of a Darelle Revis (my #1 that year, someone pay me) at DT.

Franchising Hampton seems a no brainer to me. He'll make nearly the same money. There's unlikely to be anyone ready to replace him next year. And we get two franchise guys during an uncapped year?....why not?

Suck it Hampton and Hampton's agent.

[jonzr]

Hampton did suck it, sent it back and demanded it be smothered in gravy.