After announcing that they will release Hines Ward, the Pittsburgh Steelers are adding more veterans that were part of their great Super Bowl runs this past decade to the cut list with James Farrior and Aaron Smith.
They will be cut by March 13.
Farrior and Smith were one of the great veteran leaders on the Steelers' defense, helping give Pittsburgh two championships. Other players who won't be with the Steelers any longer are Chris Kemoeatu (cut) and Chris Hoke (retired).
Farrior, 37, had 78 tackles last season while Smith has been dealing with injuries these past few years. In 2007, 2009. and 2011, the defensive end has been placed on injured-reserve. If it wasn't being cut, then retirement was most likely the next option for the 35-year-old defensive end.
"James Farrior has been a rock for the Steelers but the Turk takes no prisoners-he's gone," Farrior's agent, Ralph Cindrich, said Friday on his Twitter page.
I wouldn't be surprised if Farrior retires as well. Smith has already talked about leaving the game.
"To (change teams) now would just taint the whole idea of being a Steeler," Smith said. "You're not really playing for the money at this point. How much is enough?"
I wish the best of luck to these two moving forward. They were a great part of one of the best franchises in all of sports this past decade.
Josh has been writing since January 2009 and has founded the websites FootBasket, Hardcourt Mayhem, Gridiron Mayhem, and Staring Down Spike. For a full bio, check out JoshDhani.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoshDhani
