Da Beard is back.
After much offseason speculation, the Steelers finally brought back long time defensive end Brett Keisel according to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter.
Steelers and DE Brett Keisel have reached agreement. Keisel back to Pittsburgh, per league source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 19, 2014
Keisel missed part of last season due to injury, but he finished the year with a solid game against the Cleveland Browns.
Now at the age of 36, Keisel is the elder statesman on the Steelers roster. While it is encouraging to have a fan favorite in Keisel back, the move could have several implications on the final 53-man roster.
The Steelers drafted defensive end Stephon Tuitt in the second round of the 2014 NFL draft to take over Keisel's spot long-term. But, with Keisel back, it remains to be seen how Keisel will be rotated in.
At this point, Keisel may just be a rotational player who enhances the Steelers inexperience at the defensive end position.