PITTSBURGH — Defensive end Brett Keisel has signed a five-year contract, becoming the eighth player to reach a new deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers since they won the Super Bowl in February.

Because the Steelers have a policy of not negotiating during the regular season, Keisel is expected to be the final player signed before the Sept. 10 opener against Tennessee. Keisel signed his new contract on Monday.
The Steelers likely will play the season with six key players unsigned past 2009: running back Willie Parker, nose tackle Casey Hampton, right tackle Willie Colon, safety Ryan Clark, center Justin Hartwig and kicker Jeff Reed.
The Steelers previously signed linebacker James Harrison, guard Chris Kemoeatu, left tackle Max Starks, right guard Trai Essex, tight end Heath Miller, wide receiver Hines Ward and linebacker Keyaron Fox.