Negotiations between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the agent for Casey Hampton have intensified in the past 48 hours with talks going into late Wednesday evening.
Sources indicate the framework of a deal is in place that would guarantee Hampton about $12 million in guarantees in the first two years of the deal.
Negotiations into Wednesday evening centered around few minor sticking points, including a proposed roster bonus that would be due after the second year of the contract.
The deal prosposed by Pittsburgh is a front loaded deal
Sources indicate significant progress has been made with guaranteed money and length of contract agreed upon and both sides are hopeful to finalize a deal by late Thursday morning.
In guarantees and base pay, Hampton would receive over $15 million through the first two years of the deal, an offer that would be risky to pass up, considering the possibility that the Steelers break off talks until after the draft, like they did with Max Starks last off-season.