On August 23, 2011, the Steelers gave Timmons a five-year, $47.79 million contract extension that included $11 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $10 million for his performance throughout the 2010 NFL season. His rookie deal expired at the end of the 2010 season and he was a free agent; however, the Steelers signed him to an extension after the NFL lockout was resolved. In the season opener against the Ravens, he collected a season-high 12 tackles as the Steelers lost, 7–35. Timmons' numbers dropped from the previous season due to his moving from his normal inside linebacker position to outside linebacker, filling in for an injured James Harrison. He recorded 93 tackles, 2.0 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and an interception.