Should the Steelers re-sign Casey Hampton?
Another of the big decisions for the Steelers this off-season is whether to re-sign UFA nose tackle Casey Hampton, the team’s first-round pick (#19 overall) in 2001. Hampton has now earned four consecutive trips to the Pro Bowl (five overall) and had one of his best seasons in 2009. He also happens to play what is arguably the most important position in the Steelers’ defensive scheme. And while there is an inexpensive stopgap replacement already on the roster in Chris Hoke (who is a year older than Hampton), the Steelers don’t have a young player in line to take over the job. All of this argues for signing Hampton to a multi-year contract.
On the other hand, Hampton will be 33 when the 2010 season begins, and with his history of weight-gain issues, the Steelers would no doubt be concerned about “Big Snack” getting fat—literally—if he signed a multi-year deal. Plus, Ziggy Hood aside, the Steelers are already old on the defensive line, and might be reluctant to spend a lot of money on another DL who could begin slowing down at any moment.
As a result, it seems a strong possibility that the Steelers will place the franchise or transition free agent tag on Hampton, and keep him around for just one more year while trying out a 2010 draft pick (or addressing the position in 2011). Or the Steelers could let Casey go, and hope they land the next Hampton (or Joel Steed) in the first, second or third round of this year’s draft.
Jason is co-founder and editor of Failure magazine.
DT’s always seem to play welll late in their careers (just look at Pat Williams, or Sam Adams, or Ted Washington). I would definitely stick with Hampton. In the very least, keep him in part of a rotation.