Keisel signs extension with Steelers Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Steelers BYU defensive end Brett Keisel has signed a four-year extension that will keep him in Pittsburgh until he's 36.

Traditionally, the Steelers have not resigned players at 30+ to extensions, but recently, Hines Ward, James Farrior, Brett Keisel, and James Harrison have all gotten extensions.

I would tend to trust the front office on these decisions and here's why:

Ward and Farrior were extended because of their leadership, not because of their projected playing ability. Both have slowed down (especially ILB Farrior) but our GM discovered a few years ago with Jerome Bettis an old, smart leader can be better than a fast, immature player. Hines Ward and Farrior are unquestionably the top two leaders on the Steelers roster and Tomlin/Colbert are willing to put up with a loss of speed (already in Farrior's case, projected speed in Ward's case) to have men who their players are willing to follow.

Keisel and Harrison have both only started for three or four years. The theory is they have less wear on the tires. We'll see, I guess.

As for the rest of the Steelers 2010 free agents? Jeff Reed will likely be extended or franchised. Ryan Clark, while a hard hitter at FS, is replaceable because he's so bad in coverage. NT Casey Hampton has been less effective as his weight has ballooned, and when Chris Hoke replaces him throughout games, there is no drop-off. Willie Parker has been good for us but when your only trick is your speed, you won't stay good for long.

We have a great first-round pick DE in Ziggy Hood, and Keisel could get old fast, but I have to give the benefit of the doubt to Kevin Colbert and the Steeler FO.