Cortez Allen, Steelers agree to five-year contract

The Pittsburgh Steelers and cornerback Cortez Allen have agreed to a new five-year contract that will keep Allen in Pittsburgh through the 2018 season, the team announced Saturday night.

NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reports the deal is for five years and about $26 million. Before his new deal, Allen was set to make about $1.43 million this season and become a free agent at the season's end. Extending his deal had been a priority for the Steelers.

With 34-year-old Ike Taylor heading toward the end of his career, the 25-year-old Allen will become the top shutdown corner in Pittsburgh. Allen, a fourth-year player out of The Citadel, started eight games last season. He amassed 51 tackles and two interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown.

The Steelers open their 2014 season at home Sunday against the rival Cleveland Browns.

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-Brett LoGiurato