Pittsburgh (KDKA)- Apparently, the Pittsburgh Steelers and safety Troy Polamalu haven’t given up on trying to agree on a new deal before the start of the 2011 season.

It was thought that after the team signed linebackers Lawrence Timmons and LaMarr Woodley that the Pro Bowl safety would have to wait till after the season.

However, Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is reporting that the two sides have been negotiating over the last several days with hopes to reaching a deal by Sunday’s opener.

The Steelers organization has a policy of not negotiating contracts once the regular season begins.

According to Bouchette, Steelers team president Art Rooney was the person that got these new contract talks started.

Polamalu is scheduled to earn $6.4 million in salary this year, the last of a five-year, $33 million contract.

If the two sides aren’t able to agree on a new deal after the season, the team has the opportunity to place the franchise tag on Polamalu to ensure that he’ll return in 2012.