PUZ: Hampton Signs and Reed Franchised

Sports Commentary by Chad Puz

With free agency only hours away, the Pittsburgh Steelers worked out a three year deal with Casey Hampton worth $21.3 million yesterday. Hampton, who is coming off of his fifth Pro Bowl appearance, posted a career high season with 2.5 sacks and 42 tackles. He has only missed seven games in his career and has been a starter since his rookie season in 2001. Art Rooney II hopes that this will let Hampton finish out his career with the Steelers.

With Hampton’s contract done, the Steelers used their Franchise tag on Jeff Reed. The Steelers are still hoping they can reach a long term deal with Reed before the season starts, Reed is looking at making around $2.4 million this season with the franchise tag. Reed made 27 of 31 filed goal attempts and made all 41 extra points in 2009. Reed is second on the Steelers all time scoring list with 855 points.

Rumors are that the Steelers will be looking at working out a deal with Ryan Clark next.