Steelers re-sign Clark, bring back Randle El

Associated Press

PITTSBURGH

The Pittsburgh Steelers, normally one of the quietest teams in NFL free agency, suddenly are one of the busiest.

The Steelers made a pair of surprise moves by re-signing safety Ryan Clark and bringing back wide receiver Antwaan Randle El on Tuesday — a day after signing two backups who excel on special teams, safety Will Allen from the Buccaneers and wide receiver Arnaz Battle from the 49ers.

There’s more, too: They’re also bringing in offensive tackle Jonathan Scott, who played the last two seasons in Buffalo under new Steelers offensive line coach Sean Kugler. Scott started eight games last season but wasn’t given even the lowest tender offer to stay with the Bills.

Before the free agent signing period began, Steelers director of football operations Kevin Colbert said the offseason priorities were to bring back Clark, nose tackle Casey Hampton and kicker Jeff Reed. They retained all three, re-signing Hampton to a $21.3 million, three-year contract and placing the franchise tag on Reed, which assures him of making $2,814,000 next season.

Clark, who didn’t want to leave Pittsburgh but initially couldn’t work out terms, signed a $14 million, four-year contract only a day after visiting the Dolphins. Clark reopened talks with the Steelers after deciding he preferred to stay in Pittsburgh rather than switch franchises.

Clark had an up and down season as the Steelers went 9-7 and didn’t make the playoffs after winning the Super Bowl during the 2008 season. With safety Troy Polamalu missing most of the season with two knee injuries, Clark struggled in coverage at times.

Randle El is coming back four seasons after leaving Pittsburgh to sign a $31 million, seven-year deal with the Redskins. He was released despite being Washington’s second-leading receiver last season with 50 catches, although none were for touchdowns.

Randle El, who threw a TD pass to Hines Ward on a gadget play during the Steelers’ Super Bowl win over Seattle in February 2006, agreed to a three-year deal.