NFL: Steelers value Keenan Lewis in the 4 year, $17 million range?

Is a deal being reached between the Steelers and Keenan Lewis going to be easier than some of the local media, pundits think?

NFL sources say, yes.

There’s a strong vibe among agents that the Pittsburgh local media is by large over estimating Keenan Lewis potential value on the open market. Some are throwing out numbers of 4 year, $28 million and I’ve even heard numbers such as $5 year, $35 million.

Agents have their doubts, indicating Lewis is going to be seen as a “system” cornerback and is not a playmaker.

The Steelers we’re told had a positive exit interview with Lewis on Tuesday and Lewis has a strong interest in returning.

The big question is where do the Steelers value Lewis, who has put together just one solid season.

One team source says the team values Lewis in the $4 year, $17-$18 million range and if Lewis were to make it known that he will test free agency, the Steelers will take the Ryan Clark route that they took following the 2009 season where they never made a offer prior to free agency but maintained constant contact, then when the market for Clark fully developed, Pittsburgh came in with a 4 year deal and locked him up.

Expect the same situation to play out with Lewis and Lewis remaining a Steeler. As one source said this morning, “When the team {Steelers} and player want to get a deal done, it gets done here.”