Steelers extend contract of Simmons

The Steelers beat their self-imposed deadline of negotiating with potential 2008 free agents today by signing guard Kendall Simmons to a four-year extension.

According to the Post-Gazette, the Pittsburgh Steelers signed guard Kendall Simmons to a four-year contract extension worth $24 million. It means Simmons's rights could be held by the team through the 2011 season.

Simmons, according to the report, will be paid $8.5 million in guaranteed money.

Simmons has been the team's starting right guard since he was drafted in the first round of the 2002 draft. He missed one season with a knee injury, and has been a concern of the training staff since being diagnosed with diabetes.

The 28-year-old is being pushed for his starting job by the more powerful Chris Kemoeatu, but the team is likely looking ahead to next season when left guard Alan Faneca expects to leave in free agency.