Steelers Cut Porter & Haynes

[PHFIRENO7783]

After two weeks of internal debate, the Pittsburgh Steelers decided to cut ties with one of their most recognized players -- linebacker Joey Porter.

Porter and running back Verron Haynes were released Thursday as the Steelers got under the salary cap. But the decision to release Porter wasn't as much a cap move as it was a change in direction. A three-time Pro Bowl performer, Porter turns 30 on March 22. And with new coach Mike Tomlin taking over for Bill Cowher, the Steelers were looking to go in a different direction with their linebacking corps.

Porter is one of the league's most outspoken players and is willing to verbally challenge opponents. His approach at time did not mesh well with the Steelers' image.

Over the past couple of days, Pittsburgh shopped Porter in trade discussions and there was some interest. In the end, the Steelers decided to give him the chance to find a new team instead of sending him somewhere he might not want to go.

Porter was entering the final year of his contract and there weren't any plans to sign him to an extension. Porter was scheduled to make $5.225 million this season. His release, and Haynes', save the Steelers $6.065 million of cap room.

Because Porter is still a productive player, some people in the organization wanted to keep him. On Thursday, management decided to move on. James Harrison is expected to take over for Porter at outside linebacker.

John Clayton is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.

[Viper_ed]

They'll be fine. Just look at when they got rid of Gregg Lloyd, Chad Brown, Bell, etc., etc. etc. Someone else always steps up to become a Star Linebacker. Western PA is good for 2 things, Quaterbacks and Linebackers!

[PHFIRENO7783]

yea...free's up like 6+million for us......Porter is a great player, but I think he's nothing but trouble

[Cam99]

Glad I didn't bother to get that Porter jersey I was looking at around Christmas!

[gmkillr]

**** Porter, he;s a loud mouth that supposedly runs the defense that let up 400-500 yards per game quite a few times last year.

[N8Miller]

Ill take porter on my 49ers :D

[White5.0]

honestly i dont think porter did sh*t this past year....just talked crap on everyone...didnt play like he did in years past....we'll be runnin a new defense this year anyway with our new coach so maybe it wont be too bad of a loss

[5k#Eaton]

honestly i dont think porter did sh*t this past year....just talked crap on everyone...didnt play like he did in years past....we'll be runnin a new defense this year anyway with our new coach so maybe it wont be too bad of a loss

x2 ........on his phone interview on the news today I couldn't understand a word he mumbled lol

[fork5o]

honestly i dont think porter did sh*t this past year....just talked crap on everyone...didnt play like he did in years past....we'll be runnin a new defense this year anyway with our new coach so maybe it wont be too bad of a loss

x3 with a big mouth. hope my squad dont pick him up

[Silverhatch]

The Steelers need to buck up with some money. I think Porter was a valuable commodity to Pittsburgh. He fired the defense up with his trash talking. Pittsburgh needs to "donate" few million to Heinz in return that they have their star players aire in a few commercials for Heinz products. How do you think Dallas and the rest of them get under the cap with all star players????

[Pure Stock]

The Steelers need to buck up with some money. I think Porter was a valuable commodity to Pittsburgh. He fired the defense up with his trash talking. Pittsburgh needs to "donate" few million to Heinz in return that they have their star players aire in a few commercials for Heinz products. How do you think Dallas and the rest of them get under the cap with all star players????

Really?

[Silverhatch]

Supposedly Dallas owner Jerry Jones was donating millions to NIKE. Then NIKE would have one of his players advertise their product, pay them the donated money and Dallas could keep their high dollar players and stay under the cap.