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The Pittsburgh Steelers have been taking advantage of the new NFL policy allowing teams to speak with players two days prior to the start of the NFL Free Agency period. The Steelers have already signed Robert Golden, William Gay and Darrius Heyward-Bey the past two days, and the team is rumored to be on the verge of possibly signing one, maybe two, more players before free agency starts March 9th at 4 p.m. EDT.
The Steelers are extremely close to a new deal for left guard Ramon Foster, per reports, and some are suggesting a deal is imminent.
Foster imminent signing proves one thing: #Steelers are determined to keep Ben safe, running game strong and make big push in 2016
— Gerry Dulac (@gerrydulac) March 9, 2016
I'm told OL Ramon Foster will be re-signing with the #Steelers. Big deal for Pittsburgh. Foster has 87 regular season starts to his name.
— Rand Getlin (@Rand_Getlin) March 9, 2016
The ensuing deal with Foster seemed logical for Pittsburgh. After being an undrafted rookie free agent, Foster has been the most durable offensive linemen in his tenure with the team. Between signing a guard and a left tackle, the guard will certainly be a much cheaper ticket than the most prized position along the offensive line.
Most agreed the Steelers would likely be signing either Foster or tackle Kelvin Beachum, but not both. A recent report by Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is suggesting the Steelers believe they may be able to keep Beachum within the organization on a one-year deal.
Steelers think they might be able to get LT Kelvin Beachum back on a one-year deal.
— Gerry Dulac (@gerrydulac) March 9, 2016
This type of deal is typically called a "Show Me" contract, especially for a player like Beachum coming off major knee surgery midway through the 2015 season. The team will give him a solid salary for one season, and allow him the chance to prove he is truly an elite left tackle in the NFL.
If the Steelers are able to retain both Foster and Beachum, it would be a huge moral boost for the organization, and allow the team to pinpoint their team needs heading into free agency and the NFL Draft in April.