Steelers ink guard Simmons to five-year extension

[Ebenezer]

Steelers ink guard Simmons to five-year extension
Associated Press

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers re-signed right guard Kendall Simmons to a four-year extension on Sunday that could be worth as much as $24 million, a deal that makes certain they won't go into the 2008 season without both starting guards.

The deal secures Simmons through the 2011 season and guarantees him $7.85 million in new money. He was already set to make $900,000 this season, with a salary cap value of $1,435,664 to the Steelers.

Simmons has been a starter for the Steelers since the former first-round draft pick was a rookie in 2002, although he missed the 2004 season with a knee injury. Last season, with Simmons starting 14 games, running back Willie Parker ran for 1,494 yards -- the third-highest single-season total in team history.

Simmons' signing almost certainly rules out any chance the Steelers will reopen contract talks with left guard Alan Faneca, the five-time All-Pro lineman who is entering the final season of his contract.

The Steelers have a policy of not negotiating contracts after a season begins, and they have had no substantial talks with Faneca for months.


http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=090...o&confirm=true

[Michael82]

I bet that Alan Faneca is flipping out now!