The Pittsburgh Steelers have placed a first-round restricted free agent tender on starting ORT Willie Colon, agent Joe Linta told FOXSports.com.

Colon, who missed the entire 2010 season due to a torn Achilles tendon, was originally selected by the Steelers in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft.

It’s still possible that Colon could be an unrestricted free agent once the new CBA is reached, but teams had to prepare in the event that it would take six years not five to become an unrestricted free agent. Currently, teams are using last year’s free agency rules.

Colon, who is known in scouting circles as one of the top-five right tackles in the NFL, started running in November and is said to be fully recovered from his injury.

Should he become an unrestricted free agent, Colon could receive significant interest because of his versatility. Colon started off with the Steelers as a guard.