Kelvin Beachum is hardly a lock to return to the Pittsburgh Steelers, making the potential re-signing of Ramon Foster crucial for continuity on a touted but relatively thin offensive line.
The Steelers are working on a multi-year deal for Foster, according to a source. CBS Sports first reported Foster is nearing an extension with Pittsburgh.
I've been hearing through the process that the Steelers could face a one-or-the-other scenario on Foster/Beachum based on money. If Foster is the choice, Beachum would hit the open market Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET, when all contracts can be completed.
I'm not ruling out the return of both players, at least not yet. Much can play out in the next few weeks, and Beachum's market could fall to Pittsburgh unless he finds a high bidder. Both players want to be in Pittsburgh.
Signing Foster ensures the Steelers don't create two holes instead of one, and the Steelers are already fairly thin at guard. Foster is the consummate locker room guy who's started 87 games. He was productive in 2015 on an offensive line that ranked top 10 in rushing and top five in passing. He's a former undrafted guard out of Tennessee, so the edge hasn't left him.
Start Alejandro Villanueva or Beachum at left tackle alongside Foster, Maurkice Pouncey, David DeCastro and Marcus Gilbert, with Cody Wallace and Chris Hubbard as swing tackle/guards, and the Steelers have something.
This is a good line that should be preserved with at least one signing.
