The Steelers cap-related moves keep coming, as the team is releasing offensive lineman Levi Brown and linebacker Larry Foote, according to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (Twitter link). The team has confirmed the cuts (via Twitter), and also announced the release of cornerback Curtis Brown, which we discussed earlier.
Brown, who the Steelers acquired in a trade with the Cardinals last October, didn’t play a single snap for Pittsburgh after tearing his triceps. His release will be a major boon for the Steelers, wiping a $6.25MM from the club’s books for 2014. As for Foote, the team may miss his on-field contributions a little more. Drafted by the Steelers in 2002, Foote has remained in Pittsburgh since then, appearing in 172 games for the franchise. His 2013 season was also wiped out by an injury (torn biceps), and his release will create about $1.167MM in cap savings for the Steelers.
Taking into account their three cuts and two extensions for Heath Miller and Troy Polamalu, the Steelers have created more than $14MM in cap savings today, which should go a long way toward getting the team under the 2014 cap. At least one or two more moves will likely be required, with Ike Taylor and LaMarr Woodley representing strong candidates to be released or restructured.