Captcoolhand
08-31-2007, 06:03 AM
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Steelers are trying to sign their starting guard to a contract extension before the end of next week, but it's not Alan Faneca.
Kendall Simmons, their starting right guard since 2002 when they drafted him in the first round from Auburn, has this season left on that rookie contract.
"We've been talking and both sides are trying to get something done before the start of the season,'' said Simmons' agent, Eric Metz.
Simmons supposedly was in competition for his job with backup Chris Kemoeatu, but early in training camp he reasserted himself as the starter and the Steelers decided to try to lock him up for the future.
No serious talks have taken place with Faneca, a six-time Pro Bowler who consistently stated this will be his final season with the club. However, there has been contact between the Steelers and Faneca's agent recently.
The Steelers also have made recent contact with the agent for linebacker Clark Haggans to talk about possibly extending his contract beyond this season.
Club officials long have had a self-imposed deadline of the start of the regular season in order to sign players to new or extended contracts. Once the season starts, they will end all negotiations until the end of the seasonWell they should be able to get him Cheap.:yesnod:
Kendall Simmons, their starting right guard since 2002 when they drafted him in the first round from Auburn, has this season left on that rookie contract.
"We've been talking and both sides are trying to get something done before the start of the season,'' said Simmons' agent, Eric Metz.
Simmons supposedly was in competition for his job with backup Chris Kemoeatu, but early in training camp he reasserted himself as the starter and the Steelers decided to try to lock him up for the future.
No serious talks have taken place with Faneca, a six-time Pro Bowler who consistently stated this will be his final season with the club. However, there has been contact between the Steelers and Faneca's agent recently.
The Steelers also have made recent contact with the agent for linebacker Clark Haggans to talk about possibly extending his contract beyond this season.
Club officials long have had a self-imposed deadline of the start of the regular season in order to sign players to new or extended contracts. Once the season starts, they will end all negotiations until the end of the seasonWell they should be able to get him Cheap.:yesnod: