Steelers gave tag to Kicker Reed after finalized deal with NT Hampton

Instead of following the Patriots, 49ers and Packers to place franchise tag on nose tackles, the Pittsburgh Steelers turned to tag kicker Jeff Reed as they have agreed to a deal with nose tackle Casey Hampton in time before the deadline for franchise tag.

According to ESPN reports, the Steelers signed contract both with Hampton and director of football operations Kevin Colbert. Thus Reed will not become free agent but stay in Steelers jersey with a three-year and $21 million contract that also includes $11 million guaranteed money.

The Steelers should be happy to be able to retain both key players. Nine-year veteran Hampton had 43 tackles and 2 1/2 sacks last season and is expected to remain a Steeler for his rest of career. Eight-year veteran Reed made 27 of 31 field goal attempts last season. Their staying makes Steelers fan be hopeful that their beloved team will win more Super Bowl rings.

Steelers kicker Reed sprained ankle and would skip Saturday preseason game

The Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Jeff Reed might not be able to play in Saturday’s exhibition game against the Buffalo Bills because he sprained his ankle during training camp.

Reed strained the ankle when he stepped in a hole late during training camp at Saint Vincent College. He was able to play last Saturday in the preseason game against the Washington Redskins and managed to hit on a 34-yard field-goal but failed to make it on a 48-yarder.

Some other players will miss for sure the Saturday game. They are quarterback Dennis Dixon, tight end Sean McHugh and right guard Darnell Stapleton. Questionable as Reed, wide receiver Santonio Holmes, running backs Willie Parke and Frank Summers are all with slight injury.