Steelers keeping offensive line in tact

The Steelers made yet another move to keep one of their starters from becoming a free agent.

The team has signed guard Ramon Foster to a three-year deal as of Wednesday morning. The 30-year old guard was set to be a free agent at 4:00 pm ET but will now be part of the Steelers offensive line for at least the next three years.

Foster was signed by the Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2009 out of Tennessee and started four games as a rookie in the 2009 season. By 2012 Foster had become the starting guard and has emerged as a true leader on the line ever since.

Foster’s technique, ability, nastiness on the line and overall likeability has made him a fan-favorite in Pittsburgh and he’s had a regular spot on the 93.7 The Fan radio station during the season for the past couple of years. He also took to starting his hand at journalism this past season, contributing for the Steelers website.

The move is just another step in what is to be expected as a quiet but effective start of free agency for the Steelers. The main objective is to retain players and retool towards attaining the goal of contending for a Super Bowl.

Whether this means the Steelers will be without tackle Kelvin Beachum now remains to be seen as if he’s not signed by 4:00 pm ET he’ll be a free agent.

It has been largely assumed so far this offseason that the Steelers would have to make a choice between keeping Foster and Beachum but I don’t necessarily think the re-signing of Foster indicates that a choice has been made.

Next: Steelers re-sign William Gay

Don’t rule out an announcement of the re-signing of Beachum at any point today.

What do you think of the re-signing of Ramon Foster, Steeler Nation?