NFL: Source: Contract talks intensifying between Steelers, Marcus Gilbert

After some exploratory talks in June, contract talks on an extension for starting right tackle Marcus Gilbert are back on the front burner and have renewed in the past week between the Steelers and Gilbert’s agent Drew Rosenhaus.

Talks intensified enough over the weekend where Rosenhaus is planning to travel to Pittsburgh mid-week and meet with Steelers executives Omar Khan and Kevin Colbert at camp or an undisclosed location, the source said.

Khan and Colbert have a good working relationship with Rosenhaus who is one of the NFL’s most powerful agents. He is also regarded by rival agents as the NFL’s most “shady” agent.

Gilbert, the Steelers second round pick in 2011, is entering his fourth season and final year of his deal. A contract extension is considered “likely” for Gilbert in camp as talks have been productive. Gilbert last season allowed the most sacks (11) and quarterback hurries (30) of all Steelers linemen. He led all linemen playing in 965 snaps.

However, the Steelers believe Gilbert’s play is trending up and Pittsburgh has no long-term answer at the right tackle position.

Meanwhile, the Steelers continue to have no plans to open up talks with Jason Worilds and have not made an offer to Worilds since March. There are no talks on going either with Cortez Allen right now.

SUISHAM CONTRACT

Shaun Suisham’s four year contract is a 4 year deal worth $13.5 million, according to the official numbers released by the NFLPA today.