Brett Keisel may not be back with Steelers next season

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Brett Keisel may be nearing the end of his time with the team, Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Keisel, who has not played since Week 13 because of a foot injury, said he wants to be on the field for what may be his final two games in a Steelers uniform.

"I was very eager, especially this being my last year on my contract," Keisel said Thursday. "I wanted to go down fighting with my teammates, and, whatever happens, I wanted to be out there playing with them and do my job. I'm here to work and play games, and that's what I want to do."

Keisel, 35, has spent his entire 12-year career in Pittsburgh and resides in the city year-round with his wife and three children. 

"I bleed black and gold, everyone knows that," Keisel said. "I'm a Yinzer. I love this city. I plan on raising my family here. It's one of those things that it'll be a tough decision to be made when it's there."

Still, he knows there's a possibility the Steelers may not want him back next season. He also isn't sure he'd want to play anywhere else. 

"That's very possible," he said. "That's the nature of the business we're in, everyone's getting younger. Whatever happens, I'm grateful for my time that I've been here. I'm grateful for the success we've had on this team.

"But I want us to go out and finish this thing strong, win these last two games and go out on a positive note."