Hartwig Aboard; Steelers Sign OL to Two-Year Deal

The Steelers biggest issue down the stretch last season was their offensive line, and on Tuesday they took a solid step in improving it by announcing they have come to terms with former Panthers O-lineman Justin Hartwig to a two-year deal.  Reports say that the deal is worth $4 mil over two seasons, and also includes a $975,000 signing bonus.  Hartwig was let go by the Panthers a week ago, as they will go with Ryan Kalil as their starting center in 2008.

Hartwig may become the Steelers starting center, allowing last years center, Sean Mahan, to move to his actual position, which is guard.  The 29-year-old is 6-4, 312 pounds, and has been in the league for six years.  He started out with the Titans as a 6th round pick back in 2002, and then signed a free agent deal with the Panthers back in 2006, where he started one game before being placed on IR with a groin injury.  He played his college ball at Kansas, where he was a three-year starter at right tackle.