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ESPN - Steelers agree with Hoke on contract extension - NFL

excerpt:

The Pittsburgh Steelers, who have a busy season ahead for retaining veterans, made their first extension move of the summer by reaching a deal with defensive tackle Chris Hoke that will keep him with the team through 2010.

Under the extension, Hoke will get a four-year, $6 million contract that includes a $1.5 million signing bonus. He was scheduled to make $900,000 this season, the final year of his contract. Now, he will make $2.1 million this year including the signing bonus.

The 6-foot-3, 305-pound Hoke is entering his seventh season with the Steelers. The 31-year-old nose tackle plays behind Pro Bowl nose tackle Casey Hampton but is considered, in the eyes of his coaches, good enough to be a starter on other teams.

The Steelers have started extension talks with safety Troy Polamalu and will probably start talking to linebacker Clark Haggans soon. Both are free agents after the season. They also have guard Kendall Simmons and tackle Max Starks as potential free agents next season.

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