Simmons signs four-year extension with Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday re-signed right guard Kendall Simmons to a four-year extension that could be worth as much as $24 million, a deal that makes certain they won’t go into the 2008 season without both starting guards.

The deal secures Simmons through the 2011 season and guarantees him $7.85 million in new money. He was set to be paid $900,000 this season, with a salary cap value of $1,435,664 to the Steelers.

Simmons, a first-round pick in 2002, has been a starter since his rookie season but sat out the 2004 season because of a knee injury.

Simmons, from Auburn, came out of the preseason with a new contract after beginning training camp competing with Chris Kemoeatu for his job.

Simmons’ signing almost certainly rules out any chance the Steelers will reopen contract talks with left guard Alan Faneca, the five-time All-Pro lineman who is going into the final season of his contract.

Buffalo Bills linebacker Keith Ellison is out indefinitely because of a sprained ankle, and Coy Wire will replace him when the team opens the season against Denver on Sunday.

“It’s not good. It’s going to be a while,” Coach Dick Jauron said.

Ellison was injured Thursday in the second quarter of Buffalo’s exhibition finale, a 16-13 win at Detroit. Ellison started seven games last season.