Safety Troy Polamalu’s future in Pittsburgh was affirmed with a contract extension on Wednesday, the same day that three members of the team received their walking papers.
The Steelers announced that they have released tackle Levi Brown, linebacker Larry Foote and cornerback Curtis Brown.
All of the moves will help the team dive under the cap to start the league year, none more than the departure of Levi Brown. His departure saves more than $6.25 million under the cap, which is a significant chunk of what the Steelers needed to do to get in good shape with the cap. Brown was acquired in a trade with the Cardinals last season with the Steelers line faltering, but never played in a game for them after tearing his triceps in pre-game warmups in Week Six.
Foote and Curtis Brown also ended last season on injured reserve. Foote tore his bicep in the opening week of the season and was set to make $1.5 million this season. The veteran turns 34 in June, which won’t make him the most appealing pickup in free agency. Curtis Brown tore his ACL in November and had a $645,000 base salary for 2014.