Oct 30, 2007
The Steelers announced today that they signed second-year cornerback Anthony Madison. Madison had previously played in 12 games for the team last season. To make room for him, the team released four-year veteran Richardo Colclough.
This is something we’ve all seen coming for a long time now. The Steelers traded up in the second round to select Colclough in the 2004 draft and there were high expectations and belief in his potential. He never lived up to them and it was time for the the team and him to part ways.
Sep 1, 2007
The Steelers have made their last cuts this off-season, finalizing their 2008 roster. The two biggest names are center Chukky Okobi and running back Verron Haynes.
Three of the Steelers’ 2007 draft picks were also cut - fourth round pick defensive end Ryan McBean, fifth round pick guard Cameron Stephenson and seventh round pick wide receiver Dallas Baker.
Center Marvin Philip, defensive end Shaun Nua and special teams ace Chidi Iwuoma were also cut. As well as fullback John Kuhn, quarterback Bryan Randall, linebackers Rian Wallace and Ron Stanley, receivers Walter Young and Gerran Walker, tight ends Cody Boyd and Jon Dekker, nose tackle Scott Paxson, cornerbacks Anthony Madison and Jovon Johnson, and safeties Grant Mason and Mike Lorello, and tackles Jason Capizzi and Brandon Torrey.
Perhaps the most hotly contested position, running back, is now finalized. Keeping Dan Kreider was a smart move, especially with the offensive line still questionable. New backs Carey Davis and Gary Russell provide youth to the position.
An interesting aside, the Steelers have four total backs that were undrafted- Willie Parker, Dan Kreider, Carey Davis, and Gary Russell.
The battle for the center position was also sorted out, with Coach Mike Tomlin apparently liking what he saw from Sean Mahan more then Chukky Okobi. Furthermore, center Marvin Philip was also cut, leaving some serious question as to the depth behind center.
Aug 27, 2007
Running back Kevan Barlow lead the first round of Steelers cuts today. In all, the Steelers released ten players today, including: wide receivers Eric Fowler and Dan Sheldon, defensive end Derrick Jones, long snapper Jared Retkofsky, running back Larry Croom, punter Mike Barr, kicker Connor Hughes, linebacker Richard Koonce, and center Donovan Raiola.
Barlow’s release from the Steelers did not come as a surprise after his underwhelming performances in training camp and pre-season games.
The Steelers must trim their roster to 53 players by 11 a.m. on September 1st.
