The Steelers will take another big step toward keeping their playoff team intact when they come to a contract agreement with Pro Bowl guard Alan Faneca, possibly today.
Faneca, entering the final season of his contract, is close to agreeing to an extension that would keep him here well into this decade and pay a sizeable signing bonus.
"I think if you call me in the morning, we may have something," said Faneca's agent, Mark Bartlestein, last night.
It could be a two-for-one announcement because Bartlestein said another of his clients, defensive end Kimo von Oelhoffen, also may have a new contract in hand this week.
"We're getting closer with both of them," Bartlestein said.
By signing Faneca and von Oelhoffen, the Steelers will have locked up many of the players from their 13-3 team who were entering either free agency or the final year of their contracts. They already have signed linebackers Joey Porter, Jason Gildon and John Fiala, and offensive lineman Oliver Ross. They also signed unrestricted free agent James Farrior to replace Earl Holmes at linebacker.
They are negotiating with several players to extend their contracts, including defensive end Aaron Smith, tackle Wayne Gandy, safety Lee Flowers and halfback Amos Zereoue.
Steelers ready to sign Faneca 
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