Trying to meet a salary cap with several highly-paid players on your roster can be an ugly thing. Several veterans have restructured their contracts to help out. Unfortunately, some most also leave the Steeler Nation behind.
AARON SMITH: I predicted this when Smith went out for the season last year which meant he had missed significant time due to injury for three consecutive years. That along with his age and improved play by others, including younger players, made him expendable. Smith was an invaluable part of the defense for several years and was highly underrated league-wide. This is, howver, a good move in my opinion.
KRIS KEMOEATU: Kemoeatu was on the block based on his continued mindless play leading to a overabundance of major penalties. Kris played well for the Steelers until about two years ago and simply seemed to have lost his mind last year when he play took on his wild man appearance. I guess the man-to-man discussions with Tomlin didn't take. I wonder if this will?
WHO'S NEXT?: It appears James Farrior may be the next veteran to hit the bricks. He's 37 and has played excellently ever since coming to the Steelers. Farrior was a tremendous team player and will be missed in that regard. Younger players are available to take his place meaning the Steelers will need to elect a new defensive captain which should most deservingly be passed on to Troy Polamalu since he is the true heart of the defense.
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