Leftwich signed by Steelers; Hampton actived from PUP list.

As reported on Sportstalkbuzz on Saturday, the Pittsburgh Steelers have officially signed quarterback Byron Leftwich. The Steelers brought in both Leftwich and Daunte Culpepper for workouts.

After much deliberation, the day ended with Steelers coach Mike Tomlin receiving a call on his cell phone on the practice field, telling him that Leftwich, 28, had agreed to a one-year, $645,000 contract that included a $40,000 signing bonus.

“He’s been a franchise quarterback for a playoff caliber team,” Tomlin said. “We’re fortunate to add a guy like him.”

In other news, the Steelers have also activated nose-tackle Casey Hampton from the PUP list.  Hampton came in at some 40 pounds overweight and Tomiln immediately placed him on the PUP list. His activation should help bolster a Steelers defence that has also missed the likes of Troy Polamolou.

The Steelers also added competition at punter with the signing of veteran Mitch Berger.

Berger, 36, is a 12-year veteran from Colorado, who has 730 career punts for five different teams. He has a career net average of 43.1 yards with 233 inside the 20 and 72 touchbacks. The 6-4, 228 Berger has a career net average of 35.9 yards.

“Mitch Berger was brought in to compete with Paul Ernster,” said Tomlin. “It’s important that we have two veteran guys who have kicked in the National Football League. They’re going to battle it out, kick for kick, over the next few weeks, and whoever our punter is will have earned it. I think that’s important.

To make room on the roster for Leftwich and Berger, the Steelers waived WR Garran Walker and LB Anthony Trucks. 

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