Randle Al back and some new faces Joining the Steelers has 0 comments

Mar 9th 2010, 14:04 | FFN-Score: 16 points

ide receiver Antwaan Randle El, who spent his first four NFL seasons in Pittsburgh, accepted a three-year deal to return to the Steelers, NFL Network's Jason La Canfora reported via a league source. Randle El was released by the Washington Redskins last week after four seasons with the team.

Also coming back to the Steelers is safety Ryan Clark. Just one day after he visited the Miami Dolphins, Clark decided to stay in Pittsburgh, where he has played for the past four years. A league source told La Canfora that Clark agreed to a four-year contract expected to average $4 million guaranteed.

The Steelers also bolstered their special teams -- a weakness last season -- by signing wide receiver Arnaz Battle and safety Will Allen to three-year contracts. La Canfora reported via a league source that Battle's deal is worth $3.9 million and Allen's is worth $4.5 million.

Battle spent seven seasons with the San Francisco 49ers and played in 88 games as a wide receiver, kick returner and punt returner. He has 178 receptions for 2,150 yards and 11 touchdowns in his career.

Allen has played all six of his NFL seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He made two starts in 2009 before being placed on injured reserve after Week 9. He's also a strong special-teams player.

Both players were signed largely for their special-team work. The Steelers' special teams ranked among the league's worst in 2009, and Battle played for new Steelers assistant coach Al Everest in San Francisco.

Battle and Randle El also give the Steelers depth at receiver, where Limas Sweed's status for next season is uncertain. Sweed was taken off the active roster late in 2009 for reasons that the team still hasn't disclosed.

Pittsburgh also picked up offensive tackle Jonathan Scott, who spent last season with the Buffalo Bills. Terms of his contract weren't disclosed.