Hampton mulling offer before Thursday's 4:00 p.m. deadline

There has been some thought that the Steelers shouldn't even be negotiating with nose tackle Casey Hampton due to Hampton's age and the potential of a lockout in 2011. According to some, the only option should be to franchise Hampton in 2010.

However, the Steelers have stayed true to their word and according to a source close to Hampton, the Steelers have tendered a surprise offer that Hampton is mulling before Thursday's 4:00 p.m. franchise tag deadline.

The Steelers are believed to have approached Hampton's camp about a front loaded deal in years one ($7 million guaranteed) and two ($5 million guaranteed), worth close to $12 million guaranteed. A deal that would have a low cap hit in years three, beyond (If Salary Cap is in new CBA), which I'm told is a sticking point for Hampton's camp as the Steelers would easily be able to get out of the contract after year two.

However, the two sides are progressing towards a deal before tomorrow's deadline I'm told.