The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Ed Bouchette doesn't "think" the Steelers are interested in re-signing free agent NT Casey Hampton. Hampton, 36 in September, hasn't drawn an ounce of interest in free agency. The Steelers locked up Steve McLendon to a three-year, $7.25 million last month to be Hampton's replacement. The 12-year veteran may have to wait for an injury to find a job, or he could end up calling it a career.

The Steelers are unlikely to re-sign impending free agent NT Casey Hampton. Hampton, 36 at the start of next season, has spent his entire 12-year career in Pittsburgh and is coming off a season in which he started all 16 games for just the third time. The Steelers have Steve McLendon and 2012 fourth-round pick Alameda Ta'amu as potential replacements in an effort to get younger up front.

Steelers NT Casey Hampton said he wants to play two more years.

Steelers NT Casey Hampton (ACL surgery) has been activated from camp/PUP. He can begin participating in drills immediately, although the NFL's new CBA has a three-day no contact rule for guys just activated from "lists" or signed. Hampton is 35 years old, and it's fair to wonder whether he'll be as effective after the reconstructive knee surgery. We still like Pittsburgh to be among the league's top run-defending teams. They always are.

NT Casey Hampton (ACL surgery) is likely entering his final year with the Steelers.

There is no definitive target date for NT Casey Hampton (ACL surgery) to begin practicing. Hampton is only six months removed some surgery and on the active/PUP list. The timetable for interior linemen is certainly shorter than one for skill player, but this figures to be a race to get ready for Week 1. Hampton is also entering his age-35 season and has 157 games of wear on his resume.

Despite tearing his left ACL in January, Steelers NT Casey Hampton is confident he'll be ready for Week 1. He had surgery on January 27 after tearing the ligament on January 8. Asked whether he might open the season on PUP, Hampton replied, "Nah, I can't see that happening. I feel like I'm ready to go." The Steelers protected themselves by using a fourth-round pick on 350-pound NT Alameda Ta'amu out of Washington.

Speaking at the owners meetings Tuesday, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin conceded NT Casey Hampton (ACL surgery) is a candidate to begin the year on the PUP list.

Casey Hampton has restructured his contract, a source tells Mac's Football Blog.

Steelers GM Kevin Colbert was "emphatic" Thursday that NT Casey Hampton (ACL surgery) will be on the 53-man roster in 2012. Hampton is due a $4.89 million base salary and counts $8.1 million against the salary cap, but the Steelers firmly believe nose tackles recover better from ACL surgeries than skill-position players. That's undoubtedly true, but Hampton is no lock to turn in a 16-game season after tearing the ligament in early January. He's a candidate to open the year on PUP.