Aaron Smith Signs 4 year deal

[Elvis]

ESPN is running across the bottom of the screen that the Steelers have
resigned Aaron Smith to a 4 year contract extension today. Anyone
have any thoughts that this might change the way the Steelers
draft this coming April?

[Annihilator]

Here Are the Details


ESPN's John Clayton reports the Steelers have signed defensive end Aaron Smith to a four-year contract extension.

The deal would take Smith, who is currently under contract for $4.5 million in 2007, through the 2011 campaign. Despite Mike Tomlin bringing the 4-3 to Pittsburgh, Smith will remain valuable because he has the ability to play inside. Smith had 4.5 sacks and 64 tackles last year.
Source: ESPN.com

[Atlanta Dan]

This makes great sense to me, although getting Troy signed up first would be preferable.

Smith is a definite asset.

Further indication that Steelers $$ are going to be spent on something other than Porter's next contract. Signing Smith while Porter's bonus is coming due this coming week adds to my view Porter may be let go in a matter of days.

[Livinginthe past]

Well thats one more of the front 7 nailed in position for a while - I don't think d-line is a particular priority in the draft - developmental picks may be the way to go.

O-Line and LBer appear to be the major areas of need.

The Steelers reached a four-year contract extension with defensive end Aaron Smith that will keep him in Pittsburgh through the 2011 season.

Smith was entering the final year of his contact and was scheduled to make $4.5 million. Terms of the deal were not immediately available.

Considered one of the most dominating 3-4 defensive ends in the game, Smith was an important player for the Steelers to lock up to a long-term deal. First, his re-signing was the first endorsement of new first-year coach Mike Tomlin. Second, Smith's re-signing will keep together the starting defensive line of Smith, Casey Hampton and Brett Keisel for at least three more seasons.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2781839

[Stlrs4Life]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2781839

[SteelCityMan786]

Just 1 of the signings we must pull off.

[Edman]

Awesome. Aaron Smith was one of the lone stars in a gloomy 2006. He got the tools to work in the 3-4 and 4-3.

This means Joey Porter is as good as gone, IMO.

[FOOTEupyourarse]

i'm glad we locked up aaron for 4 more years. he is a very underrated player.

[BlacknGold Bleeder]

Definitely a good signing !!

[OneForTheToe]

Originally Posted by Atlanta Dan

This makes great sense to me, although getting Troy signed up first would be preferable .........

I agree, but this is bound to free-up some cap money for this season which could be used for all things good.