Reed says chances of re-signing '50-50'
By Scott Brown, PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Thursday, June 10, 2010
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Jeff Reed hopes to sign a long-term contract with the Steelers. But the veteran kicker said it is not a foregone conclusion that he will be with the team following the 2010 season.

The Steelers used the franchise tag on Reed in February to keep the eight-year veteran from becoming an unrestricted free agent, and he later signed the one-year, $2.841 million deal that came with the designation.

The two sides have until July 15 to agree on a new contract, but when recently asked the chances of that happening, Reed said, "fifty-fifty."

"I want it to happen — they want it to happen — but I'm not just going to sign anything," said Reed, who made 27 of 31 field goal attempts last season.

The Steelers are not actively negotiating contracts with any players, and Reed did not give a number as far as what he is seeking.

Sebastian Janikowski may have raised the salary bar for kickers in February when he signed a four-year, $16 million deal with the Raiders.

If the Steelers and Reed do not agree on a new contract before the middle of July, he will play out his existing one and become a free agent.

"I feel like I'm a pretty valuable kicker to any team," Reed said, "and my heart's set on something specific that I think I'm worth and I won't deviate much from it."

He said his heart is also set on staying with the Steelers.

"If you can play your whole career in one uniform, that's pretty commendable," Reed said. "Even more than that this organization's classy, tons of character and top notch. I've heard a lot of stories about other organizations that I don't want to be a part of."