Post by lazarus on Jun 29, 2003 15:08:28 GMT -5
Smith taking over for Gandy, gets 5-year, $25.5M deal
By Mike Crissey, The Associated Press
PITTSBURGH — Offensive lineman Marvel Smith, who will likely replace Wayne Gandy at left tackle next season, has signed a 5-year, $25.5 million contract extension with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Smith, drafted in 2000, will make $7 million next season and get a $6 million signing bonus, according to a source close to the deal who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Pittsburgh Steelers spokesman Dave Lockett declined to confirm the deal, which was first reported in Pittsburgh newspapers Wednesday morning.
Smith was entering the final year of a four-year contract he signed coming out of Arizona State in 2000. He made $532,000 last season and was scheduled to make $621,000 this season under the old contract.
The Steelers plan to move the 6-5, 308-pound Smith from right tack to left to replace Gandy, who signed a six-year, $30 million deal with the New Orleans Saints.
Smith, who played at right tackle the past three seasons, last played left tackle at Arizona State. He will play alongside All-Pro guard Alan Faneca and backup Oliver Ross, who will take over at right tackle.
Ross has made only eight starts in his six-year pro career, but all came the last two seasons with the Steelers.
Ross opened the 2002 season at right guard, but was replaced in the second game by rookie Kendall Simmons. In 2001, Ross started five games at right guard, one at left tackle and one at right tackle.
By Mike Crissey, The Associated Press
PITTSBURGH — Offensive lineman Marvel Smith, who will likely replace Wayne Gandy at left tackle next season, has signed a 5-year, $25.5 million contract extension with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Smith, drafted in 2000, will make $7 million next season and get a $6 million signing bonus, according to a source close to the deal who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Pittsburgh Steelers spokesman Dave Lockett declined to confirm the deal, which was first reported in Pittsburgh newspapers Wednesday morning.
Smith was entering the final year of a four-year contract he signed coming out of Arizona State in 2000. He made $532,000 last season and was scheduled to make $621,000 this season under the old contract.
The Steelers plan to move the 6-5, 308-pound Smith from right tack to left to replace Gandy, who signed a six-year, $30 million deal with the New Orleans Saints.
Smith, who played at right tackle the past three seasons, last played left tackle at Arizona State. He will play alongside All-Pro guard Alan Faneca and backup Oliver Ross, who will take over at right tackle.
Ross has made only eight starts in his six-year pro career, but all came the last two seasons with the Steelers.
Ross opened the 2002 season at right guard, but was replaced in the second game by rookie Kendall Simmons. In 2001, Ross started five games at right guard, one at left tackle and one at right tackle.