Does the release of Brett Keisel put Troy Polamalu on deck?

The Pittsburgh Steelers are hoping the veteran safety retires to save them from having to release him after 12 seasons with the team.

The Steelers don't have to make a decision on Polamalu any time soon since they would not receive salary-cap relief from his $6 million base salary in 2015 until after June 1.

Perhaps that is why general manager Kevin Colbert took the unusual step Monday of issuing a statement on Polamalu.

"At this time, we do not have an update on Troy Polamalu or his contract status," Colbert said. "We will continue to continue to communicate with Troy and his representatives regarding his future."

Communicating is not the same as negotiating, which is why I don't think anything has changed as far as the Steelers intending to move on from Polamalu, as much as he has meant to the organization.

Time is not an issue for either side. Polamalu is not going to be signed in the first wave of free agency even if the Steelers release him today.

And the eight-time Pro Bowler will take his time if he wants to play next season and has to move on from the Steelers before deciding if another situation is right for him.

A couple of notes: