PITTSBURGH (April 26, 2005) -- Running back Verron Haynes agreed to the Pittsburgh Steelers' one-year tender offer, and backup quarterback Charlie Batch reached a one-year deal. Haynes was third on the team last season with 272 yards rushing and fourth in receiving with 18 catches for 142 yards and two touchdowns. Haynes also made 11 tackles on special teams. Batch, a Pittsburgh native and former starter for the Detroit Lions, missed the 2004 season after injuring a knee during training camp. He has thrown only eight passes, completing four, since signing with the Steelers in 2002.
Haynes was the last of the Steelers' six restricted free agents to reach terms. Previously signing were linebacker Larry Foote, safety Chris Hope, defensive end Brett Keisel, wide receiver Lee Mays and kicker Jeff Reed.
Foote and Reed signed multiyear contracts, but the other four accepted one-year deals and can become free agents next year.
Batch becomes the fourth Steelers quarterback under contract, joining starter Ben Roethlisberger and backups Tommy Maddox and Brian St. Pierre.
