[BB2W]

Verron Haynes was also signed.......


Halfback Verron Haynes, like Hope a restricted free agent, also did not sign with another team, giving the Steelers his exclusive rights for one more year.

Hope will receive a $656,000 salary this year unless he and the Steelers come to terms on a multi-year contract. Haynes has little choice now but to sign the same one-year contract for $656,000. Both could become unrestricted free agents next year.

Their other three restricted free agents previously signed. Defensive end Brett Keisel and wide receiver Lee Mays signed one-year tenders at $656,000. Kicker Jeff Reed signed a five-year contract for $7.5 million with a $1.5 million signing bonus.

Hope started all 16 games at free safety last season, replacing departed Brett Alexander. He was second on the team with 72 solo tackles and his 97 total tackles tied for second. He also had one interception.

Haynes, their third-down back, ran 55 times for 272 yards and caught 18 passes for 142 yards and two touchdowns last season.