National Football League

Steelers re-sign Eason to one-year contract

Published Apr. 12, 2010 3:17 p.m. ET

foxsports

Defensive end Nick Eason has signed a one-year extension with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Eason started five games last season after defensive ends Aaron Smith and Travis Kirschke were injured. He has played in 69 career games with the Browns (2004-06) and Steelers (2007-09), making nine starts.

Eason signed with Pittsburgh as an unrestricted free agent in 2007.

Kirschke, 35, has not re-signed after spending six seasons with Pittsburgh - he has played in the NFL since 1997 - and is expected to retire. He did not miss a regular-season game with the Steelers due to injury until last season.