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The Steelers continued their off-season work, re-signing another of their own soon-to-be free agents. As reported by Chris Adamski of the Tribune-Review:
Steelers sign FB Rosie Nix to a 4-year (!) extension. Was a restricted free agent.
— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) February 10, 2018
Hey, he's a Pro Bowler
Nix was set to become a Restricted Free Agent. The Steelers could have placed an RFA tender on Nix, which would have meant a 1-year contract. This also would have meant another team could have made a contract offer to Nix (which the Steelers have the right to match). Instead the Steelers decided that Nix’s value as a blocker in the run game, and on special teams, was worth the long term investment.
The Steelers did not disclose financial terms of the contract. However, Jeremy Fowler (ESPN) tweeted:
New four-year deal for Steelers FB Roosevelt Nix expected to fall among top-five contracts for the position. Nix, a former defensive lineman at Kent State, made his first Pro Bowl this year.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) February 10, 2018
The top contract for FB’s, in terms of avg./year:
Kyle Juszczyk-$5.25 million
Patrick Dimarco-$2.1 million
Jamize Olawale-$2.0 million
Jay Prosch-$1.916 million
Anthony Sherman-$1.25 million
We see quite a difference from the #1 spot and the rest of the top 5. I’d have to guess that Nix’s contract would be closer to the middle/lower end of that list than the top.
Regardless, the Steelers locked up a player that figures to be an integral part of their running game for the foreseeable future. Whether that means blocking for Le’Veon Bell, or another RB, Nix is likely to remain a fan favorite for years to come.