Steelres Release Gary Russell

The Pittsburgh Steelers have released "short-yardage specialist" Gary Russell, who scored the first touchdown for the Steelers in Super Bowl XLIII.




Russell made the Steelers as an undrafted rookie in 2007 and became their short-yardage running back midway through the 2008 season. He rushed for 77 yards on 28 carries last season and scored three touchdowns.



His most memorable touchdown, came in the second quarter of the Super Bowl when he ran one yard for a touchdown to give the Steelers a 10-0 lead. His only other carry in that game resulted in a 4-yard loss.





He also scored a touchdown from one yard out in the fourth quarter of the Steelers' 35-24 playoff victory against San Diego.



The Steelers gave no reason for his release.

Lions Claim Frankling off Waivers

The Lions claimed wide receiver Will Franklin off waiver from Kansas City Tuesday.

Franklin was a fourth-round pick (105th overall) of the Chiefs in 2008 out of Missouri. In 13 games for Kansas City last season, he had seven catches for 83 yards (11.9-yard average) with no touchdowns.

The Raiders, Rams, Colts, and Eagles all put in claims but the Lions had first dibs because of their 0-16 record.

While a knee injury kept Franklin low on KC's depth chart as a rookie, he has a rare combination of speed (4.37) and size (6'2/205). He should have a strong shot at a roster spot.

Chiefs Release 2008 4th Round Pick

The Kansas City Chiefs have released WR Will Franklin, ending his dream of starring in the same state where he starred in college, at Missouri.

The Chiefs picked Franklin in the fourth round of last year’s draft. He played in 13 games and even made one start in a late season game against San Diego. But Franklin caught just seven passes for 83 yards.

Giants Release Burress

The New York Giants have released wide receiver Plaxico Burress, a little more than four months after the talented but troubled wide receiver accidentally shot himself in the thigh in a New York City nightclub.

The former Super Bowl hero's tenure in New York had more than its share of ups and downs. The highs included the Super Bowl winning TD catch against the previously undefeated New England Patriots, the lows were highlighted with the aforemention self shooting, all with fines and suspensions sprinkled in between.

The 31-year-old, who was suspended by the Giants for the final four weeks of the season for conduct detrimental to the team and fined after the shooting, also faces possible NFL sanctions for violating its personal conduct policy.

The G-Men had been willing to stand by their star receiver, through all of his legal troubles, assuming they saw remourse and progression in Burress' attitude. Apperently they did not see significant change, the final straw being when the front office requested that Plaxico restructure his contract to be more team friendly. When he refused, he weas shown the door.

Burress caught 344 passes with the Giants, which places him 12th on the franchise's career list, one catch ahead of Earnest Gray and three behind Aaron Thomas. Burress had 3,681 receiving yards and caught 33 touchdown passes for the Giants.

New York now finds themselves with a significant hole in their roster but find themselves with an opprotunity to repair this hole with a variety of options, either through the draft where a WR like Rutgers' Kenny Britt, North Carolina's Hakeem Nicks or Ohio State's Brian Robiskie may be available with the 29th pick.

If they are not sold on any of those draftee's the G-men have plen ty of ammunition to pull off a trade for Arizona's Anquan Boldin or Cleveland's Braylon Edwards, whom they have already been linked to, but haven't found the right deal yet.

"Plaxico's contribution to our championship season in 2007 can never be underestimated or undervalued," coach Tom Coughlin said. "He displayed tremendous determination throughout that season. Having said that, I have always been as concerned about Plaxico as a man as I have been about him as a player, and my hope is that everything that has happened over the past several months represents a turning point. He is a young man with a family who has a whole lifetime ahead of him, and I personally wish him and his family well."

Saints Release Kaesviharn

The Saints released safety Kevin Kaesviharn, a decision made easier after signing veteran free agent Pierson Prioleau. The team didn't make an official announcement, but team spokesman Greg Bensel and Kaesviharn's agent Bruce Tollner both confirmed the move.

Kaesviharn, 32, was scheduled to earn $1.6 million in salary and bonuses this year. He had two years remaining on the four-year contract he signed in 2007, but the Saints decided to go in a different direction, signing veterans Darren Sharper and Prioleau in free agency.

Kaesviharn started 14 games over the past two years with the Saints. But was ineffective during that span, he was inconsistent in coverage, giving up too many deep passing plays.

He earned the full-time starting job at free safety last year but missed the final five games of the season after suffering a neck injury. He finished the 2008 season with 61 tackles and two interceptions, giving him a total of 97 tackles and two interceptions during his time in New Orleans.

Saints Release Veteran CB McKenzie

The New Orleans Saints have released 11-year veteran cornerback, Mike McKenzie after spending five seasons with the team. The move will save $4.575 Million in salary cap room.

McKenzie joined the Saints via a trade with the Green Bay Packers in 2004 but has been limited by injuries the last few season. The release does not come as a suprise as the Saints have been upgrading their defensive backfield over the last two seasons adding; Jason David, Randall Gay and Jabari Greer in free agency. They also drafted starter Tracy Porter last season. The Saints are also said to be interested in drafting CB/FS Malcolm Jenkins out of Ohio State.

When not limited by injuries, McKenzie has a reputation of being one of the better man-to-man coverage players in the league.

Jacksonville Releases Troubled Jones

The Jacksonville Jaguars have released their troubled former first-round pick after his most recent arrest. Jones was jailed last week in Arkansas for violating a plea agreement that stemmed from a drug charge in 2008.

Matt Jones failed a drug and alcohol screening, when he drank beer while golfing with friends. He assured the judge it wouldn't happen again. The Jacksonville Jaguars and possibly the NFL are not willing to take that risk.

"All roster moves are decisions we feel are in the best interest of the organization," Jaguars general manager Gene Smith said. "This decision is a result of our ongoing player and roster evaluations. We expect responsibility and accountability, and those are important qualities as we continue the process of building this team."

Jones is coming off his best season where he caught 65 passes for 761 yards and two touchdowns, but his off field troubles clearly out weighed his on field production. In fact many expected Jones to get his walking papers last July after the original cocaine charges were filed.

Rams Cut Torry Holt

A day after the Rams cut their long-time franchise left tackle Orlando Pace, the Rams have rereleased one of the final members of their "Greatest Show on Turf " WR Torry Holt. By releasing the two verteran players the Rams saved $14 million in salary cap space. Holt was due a $1.25 million roster bonus on Tuesday.

"The Rams will forever be grateful for the way Torry Holt represented the Rams on the field and in the community," owner Chip Rosenbloom said. "Over the past 10 seasons Torry has proven himself to be one of the finest wide receivers in league history. This is a difficult decision because Torry has meant so much to the organization."

Holt, the sixth overall pick in the 1999 draft out of North Carolina State, ranks 11th in league history with 869 receptions and 14th with 12,660 receiving yards. His 80.1 yards-per-game career receiving average is the best in NFL history. He has also been to seven Pro Bowls.

These moves are an indication that the Rams are attempting to get younger and are rebuilding for the future, after finishing last season 2-12 and going 5-27 over the last two-seasons. Since the end of last season they've named a new general manager, Billy Devaley, a new coach, Steve Spagnuolo, cut several veteran players and signed three free agents from other teams.

Rams Cut Franchise LT Pace

The St. Louis Rams have parted ways with their franchise left tackle and former number-one overall pick of the 1997 draft. The release of the oft-injured Orlando Pace will save the team $6 Million in cap space. The Rams were 2-14 last season and hold the second overall pick in this years draft and may be looking to use it on a new franchise left tackle.

Pace was the first offensive lineman chosen No. 1 overall since the Minnesota Vikings took Ron Yary in the 1968 draft. The Rams dealt four draft picks -- a first-, third-, fourth- and seventh-rounder -- to the New York Jets for the right to move up five spots on draft day.

"I can't begin to thank Orlando for all he has meant to the Rams organization," Owner Chip Rosenbloom said. "It is never easy to end a relationship that has had as much success as ours, but in the interest of Orlando and the Rams, we feel now is the right time."

Pace blocked for three consecutive MVPs from 1999-2001, quarterback Kurt Warner in 1999 and 2001 and running back Marshall Faulk in 2000, durin g St. Louis' run as the 'Greatest Show on Turf '.

Panthers Cut CB Lucas

The Cap space strapped Carolina Panthers were forced to release starting CB Ken Lucas, after a trade could not be completed. Lucas had previously vetoed a trade to the Detroit Lions. The release clears up about $2.3 Million.

"We had some teams approach us and we talked to some teams and nothing worked out," general manager Marty Hurney said. "We just thought this was the time to do this. ... Ken's been a very good starter for us for four years."

Lucas was signed away from the Seattle Seahawks to a six-year, $36 million deal in 2005. He started 49 of 50 games for Carolina and had 13 interceptions along with 235 tackles.
Lucas was also known for fierce, trash-talking one-on-one matchups with Smith in practice that boiled over in training camp last season when the Pro Bowl receiver punched Lucas in the face while Lucas was resting on one knee.

Bengals Release Jackson, Others

The Cincinnati Bengals have released former Super Bowl MVP Dexter Jackson, allowing him to become a free agent. They also waived three players — guard James Blair, cornerback Marcus Brown and defensive end Victor DeGrate.

Jackson, an 11th-year NFL player in 2009, played the last three seasons for the Bengals, seeing action in 29 games with 28 starts. He joined the Bengals as a free agent in 2006 after his second stint in Tampa Bay.

He was limited to three games in 2008, due to thumb and hamstring injuries. Jackson has 433 career tackles, five sacks and 17 interceptions.

Blair, Brown and DeGrate are all classified first-year players in 2009. Each was on the Bengals practice squad for a portion of 2008, and each had been signed to the 2009 offseason roster on Dec. 30.

Safety Roy Williams Gets His Wish

Lost in the media circus that followed the release of mercurial WR Terrell Owens, is the fact that the Dallas Cowboys also granted safety Roy Williams his release.

Williams, 28, the Cowboys' first-round pick in the 2002 draft out of Oklahoma, is most well known for his affect on the league in establishing the "horse collar" rule in reaction to Williams' tackling style which has broken more than a few ankles.

The Cowboys have already had to absorb a large cap hit with the release of Owens and have only added to it with Williams' release as he recently signed a $25 million contract extension, which included an $11 million signing bonus.

Blessed with the instincts of a safety and the hitting power of a linebacker, Williams has recently become a liability in pass coverage, some have hinted that he may make the switch to linebacker as he is at his best playing close to the line of scrimmage and an effective defender versus the run.

Terrell Owens Cut by Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones spent countless press conferences trying to convince you it wasn't going to happen, he placed a gag order on his coaches at the Scouting Combine, so his coaching staff couldn't answer the question. Despite all the smoke and mirrors, the Dallas Cowboys finally did what we all expected them to do, they have released WR Terrell Owens.

By cutting Terrell Owens the Cowboys will be able to rid themselves of a locker room cancer and sideline distraction, but the team will have to absorb a huge hit to the salary cap, a reported a $9.675 Million, stemming from the new contract Owens signed last summer, a four-year, $34 Million deal that included a $12 Million bonus.

Owens, who has always been known as a productive receiver, is remembered more often for his outlandish and bizarre touchdown celebrations, like the Sharpie in the sock, or pouring popcorn all over himself. Even more bizarre were his off the field antics, giving an interview while doing sit ups in his driveway, or the accidental overdose/suicide attempt.

It was all of these reasons that Jerry Jones loved T.O., with every outlandish act brought more media attention to "America's Team" and more attention means more money for Jones, but the one thing Owens did not bring to Dallas was playoff victories, and that may have been the straw that broke the camel's back for Jones. Owens is not worth the distraction if he is not winning you championships.

Over his 13-year career, he's a five-time All-Pro and ranks second in career touchdowns, fifth in career yards receiving and sixth in career receptions. He turned 35 in December, but remains a physical specimen.

Look for Owens to re-emerge in a place like New York, with the Giants. Owens would love the bright lights of New York and the Giants may need to replace the production of Plaxico Burress. Another possibe landing spot could be Washington, as owner Dan Snyder loves to spend money on big name players no matter how much baggage they bring with them. I think a wild-card team for getting Owens would be the Oakland Raiders, I think Al Davis will fall in love with T.O.'s production and is arrogant enough to think he could keep him happy.

Taylor Cut in Washington

The Washington Redskins released defensive end Jason Taylor on Monday after the six-time All-Pro failed to accept a workout commitment.

The Redskins were requesting that Taylor participate in at least 75% (or 8 of the 13 weeks) of the off-season programs. In the end Taylor chose his fanily over money.

"He wanted to spend the offseason with his family," said Taylor's agent, Gary Wichard. "He just kind of chose family over going up there."

Taylor was acquired on the first day of training camp after Phillip Daniels went down with a season-ending knee injury. The Redskins gave up a second-round draft pick in 2009 and a sixth-round selection in 2010.

Pittsburgh Adds 10 to Off-Season Roster

The Pittsburgh Steelers wasted no time in preparing to defend their Super Bowl Championship, they have added 10 players to their off-season roster.

Seven were practice squad players; wide receiver Dallas Baker, offensive lineman Doug Legursky, cornerback Roy Lewis, safety Ryan Mundy, tight end Dezmond Sherrod, running back Justin Vincent and linebacker Donovan Woods.

The other 3 included CFL running back Stefan Logan, as well as two who had no previous connection with the Steelers, wide receiver Brandon Williams and fullback Ryan Powdrell.

Lions to Release Furrey

WR Mike Furrey is in Tampa Bay participating in a charity event in conjunction with Super Bowl XLIII. When asked about Scott Linehan being his new offensive coordinator Furrey replied, "He's not my offensive coordinator," explaining that he was told Tuesday morning in a brief phone call from Lions general manager Martin Mayhew that he'll be let go by the team with a year remaining on his contract. Players can't be officially released until Feb. 9.

"(Mayhew) just called to say they were calling the guys they were releasing, and that was the gist of the conversation," said Furrey, who was due $1.85 million in salary next season. "I said, 'Thanks,' and that was it. The conversation was real brief. But I wasn't surprised at all. We butted heads toward the end of the season. And it's because I wanted to win. I was sick of losing, sick of going out on Sundays without a chance to win."

Furrey, who caught only 18 passes for 181 yards in nine games last season, also was among a handful of players who were openly critical of the Lions' shift in offensive philosophy last season. Furrey was brought to Detroit largely because of his familiarity with former coordinator Mike Martz's pass-oriented system. He led the NFC with 98 receptions in 2006, his first season with the Lions.