Steelers, Timmons Agree to Extension
By Matt Shetler
by Matt Shetler
Just a couple of weeks after securing the services of outside linebacker LaMarr Woodley for the better part of the decade, the Pittsburgh Steelers locked up another big part of their future by signing inside linebacker Lawrence Timmons to a five-year contract extension on Tuesday.
The extension will pay Timmons $50 mil and runs through the 2016 season.
Both Timmons and Woodley are viewed as the future (and the present) of the Steelers defense and the Steelers front office did the smart thing by locking up both young linebackers now. Why even risk losing either guy when they had the chance to get both signed before the 2011 season begins.
You have to hand it to the Steelers front office for making things happen. They were $10 million over the $120.4 million salary cap when training camp began and not only found a way to extend both stud linebackers, but also were able to add veteran wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery to the mix.
Most of that was due in part to several veterans restructuring their deals; including James Harrison and Ben Roethlisberger.
The former first round pick Timmons had a monster season a year ago and has emerged as one of the top inside linebackers in the NFL The fifth year pro finished the 2010 season with 135 tackles, three sacks and two interceptions last season.
The club now may now look to turn their attention to trying to extend safety Troy Polamulu, the 2010 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Polamalu is entering the final year of his deal and the Steelers have until September 11th to get something done with him, since it has been a long time Steelers tradition not to negotiate during the season.
While signing Polamalu is now priority number one, you have to wonder when the money will eventually run out for the Steelers.
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