Pittsburgh Steelers agree with Casey Hampton, franchise Jeff Reed

The Pittsburgh Steelers have reached agreement on a three-year contract with nose tackle Casey Hampton and placed their franchise tag on kicker Jeff Reed.

When Hampton's In, Steelers Are Solid

Casey Hampton has played in at least 13 games each season since 2005, anchoring a Steelers defensive line that has been one of the best at stopping the run.

Rushing Defense, Past 5 Seasons Rushing ypg allowed NFL rank 

2009 89.9 3rd 

2008 80.3 2nd 

2007 89.9 3rd 

2006 88.3 3rd 

2005 86.0 3rd 

A league source tells ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter that Hampton's contract is worth $21 million, including $11 million in guaranteed money.

The Steelers were facing a decision on whether to place their franchise tag on Hampton, with the hope of eventually reaching an agreement with him, or allow him to become an unrestricted free agent.

Hampton, a nine-year veteran, had 43 tackles and 2 sacks last season for the Steelers.

With Hampton's contract accounted for, the Steelers instead used the franchise tag on Reed, the team announced.

Reed has a career 83.3 percent field goal completion percentage in eight seasons, all in Pittsburgh. He converted 27 of 31 field goals in 2009 and scored 122 points.

Reed, like Olindo Mare of the Seattle Seahawks, will be offered a one-year tender at $2.418 million.

It would cost another team two first-round picks to acquire Reed if he signed a contract with it. The Steelers also would have seven days to match an offer from any other team.

The deadline for NFL teams to use their franchise tag is 4 p.m. ET Thursday.

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