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Steelers Sign Willie Colon, Lose Nick Eason

The Steelers have reportedly re-signed offensive lineman Willie Colon to a five-year deal worth $29 million. This is the sound of the other shoe dropping after the Steelers let Max Starks know they had released him - they must have figured they could get Colon back. Colon should add considerable stability to their offensive line while allowing second-round pick Marcus Gilbert time to develop. The Steelers appear to be pretty sure he'll be ready to compete this year.

The Steelers have also lost defensive end Nick Eason, who followed new Cardinals defensive coordinator Ray Horton to Arizona with a two-year deal. Eason played a fair amount when Aaron Smith and Brett Keisel were injured last year, but he didn't really distinguish himself. The Steelers no longer needed him - not only are Smith and Keisel still around, but Ziggy Hood is emerging, and the Steelers took defensive end Cameron Heyward in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft as well.

For more on the Steelers, check out Behind The Steel Curtain.

Photographs by dizfunk used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.