Steelers Give Gandy 4-Yr Deal
The Pittsburgh Steelers solved a big problem on the offensive line Tuesday by signing left tackle Wayne Gandy to a four-year contract, only to develop another when right tackle Justin Strzelczyk reinjured his knee.
Strzelczyk underwent his second knee operation in less than a year after reinjuring the right knee ligament he tore in October, an injury that forced him out of the Steelers' final nine games.
Strzelczyk was expected to return and challenge former first-round draft pick Jamain Stephens at right tackle, but now is out indefinitely.
With training camp starting in 3½ months and Strzelczyk facing months of rehabilitation, it is likely he will miss a significant portion of the 1999 season.
The Steelers signed the 6-foot-5, 300-pound Gandy to a contract believed to be worth $14 million.
Pittsburgh spent weeks courting Gandy, a consistent, durable player who will replace Will Wolford at left tackle.
Gandy started the Rams' last 64 games but has never played in the playoffs, one reason he signed with Pittsburgh. The Steelers made six consecutive playoff appearances prior to last season.
His signing puts the Steelers over the NFL salary cap, but they will drop back under the cap Wednesday when Wolford is expected to officially announce his retirement.
Wolford, who played left guard before moving to left tackle last season to replace John Jackson, recently held a retirement party at his Kentucky home. But he did not officially notify the NFL of his retirement, and Steelers coach Bill Cowher has tried to persuade him to play only on passing downs.
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