NFL: Hampton seeking more than $9.5 million in guarantees

Off-season Buzz

The Steelers focus will quickly turn towards defensive tackle Casey Hampton in the coming weeks and to some extent right tackle Willie Colon, who the coaching staff regards as the Steelers best offensive lineman.

Hampton, 32, is coming off his best season of his career and is in line for one last pay day. The Steelers did not make an offer prior to the 2009 season but have had a change of heart and will make Hampton a priority.

The pressure will be on the Steelers lock up Hampton to a long-term deal before free agency begins.

"If they let me get to free agency, everybody knows what it's going to be," Hampton said in September. "There ain't nothing to even talk about."

The easy avenue for the Steelers to explore is putting the franchise tag on Hampton but sources indicate Hampton's representatives have made it known that Hampton will hold out if he is franchised and has no intentions of playing on a one year deal at the age of 33.

"That {Franchise Tag} is something I do not want," Hampton said. "I think when I am healthy that I am a dominant player," Hampton said. The Steelers are likely to accommodate Hampton's wishes out of respect for Hampton, only if the team doesn't think there is a way the two sides would be able to strike a long-term deal down the road.

Last February, the Steelers franchised left tackle Max Starks but both sides were on the same page regarding a long-term deal as months later a four year deal was reached.

The Steelers plan to make a front loaded offer to Hampton, weeks before the NFL scouting combine in February, which is when the Steelers will have to make a decision on their franchise and transition tags.

Internally the Steelers are prepared to make a "Pat Williams" type of offer to Hampton.