Steelers cut veteran DE Aaron Smith

[patsfaninpa]

Has had some weird injuries the last few years. Biceps and pec. Then he hurt his foot last year. He'll be 36 in April. Excellent two gap end if he can play. Gotta be better than Fat Albert and Shaun Ellis?

 

[dhamz]

Was a good player once but is now too old and broken down.

 

[Ice_Ice_Brady]

He's done.

 

[Deus Irae]

Smith having only played 15 regular season games in the last 3 years made this a less than shocking move. If he doesn't retire, the Patriots will probably think about kicking the tires.

 

[JackBauer]

Just give him some of what Laron Landry's on and he'll be good to go.

 

[PATRIOTSFANINPA]

The Steelers are a very smart organization that RARELY lets players go that have anything left in the tank.

If I am a Patriots executive, I stay far and away from aged Steelers players who they release...it usually means retirement time.

 

[zoostation]

close the door....put out the lights

 

[randomk1]

underrated

 

[BradyFTW!]

With his injuries over the past couple of years, I'd be mildly surprised if he doesnt end up retiring. Still pretty decent when healthy, though.

 

[BradyFTW!]

The Steelers are a very smart organization that RARILY lets players go that have anything left in the tank.

If I am a Patriots executive,I stay far and away from aged Steelers players who they release...it usually means retirement time.

Joey Porter had 17.5 sacks two years after leaving Pittsburgh. Besides, this is as much a reflection of the Steelers' cap situation and the fact that they have some depth at DE as it is a reflection of Smith himself. He's aging, he got hurt last year, they have a first round pick ready to take his place (Ziggy Hood), and they're up against the cap. He was getting cut regardless of how much or how little he had left in the tank.

 

[madmike77]

Joey Porter had 17.5 sacks two years after leaving Pittsburgh. Besides, this is as much a reflection of the Steelers' cap situation and the fact that they have some depth at DE as it is a reflection of Smith himself. He's aging, he got hurt last year, they have a first round pick ready to take his place (Ziggy Hood), and they're up against the cap. He was getting cut regardless of how much or how little he had left in the tank.

They replaced Porter with Harrison though. That worked out ok for them.

Smith was a very under-rated 3-4 DE, but he's 35 and coming off two big injuries. He wasn't making a ton of money. If they thought he had anything left in the tank they'd keep him.

 

[BradyFTW!]

They replaced Porter with Harrison though. That worked out ok for them.

Smith was a very under-rated 3-4 DE, but he's 35 and coming off two big injuries. He wasn't making a ton of money. If they thought he had anything left in the tank they'd keep him.

Agreed- it was the right move for the team. Simply disputing the idea that they Steelers only let guys go when they don't have anything left in the tank.

 

[NinjaZX6R]

Rather have Brett Keisel right now over Aaron Smith.

 

[Joey007]

I wouldn't take Aaron Smith if I were New England. For one, it'd be like Shaun Ellis all over again most likely, and we need young pass-rushers up front, not old.

 

[Deus Irae]

I wouldn't take Aaron Smith if I were New England. For one, it'd be like Shaun Ellis all over again most likely, and we need young pass-rushers up front, not old.

On the other hand, rotating Smith and Carter would help keep both fresh.

 

[Joey007]

On the other hand, rotating Smith and Carter would help keep both fresh.

Carter/Anderson rotation> Carter/Smith roatation.

I know Anderson might not be back, but I'm saying it'd be taking a step back making the defensive line even older.

 

[PatsFan2]

One two many injuries for old Aaron.

 

[BradyFTW!]

Rather have Brett Keisel right now over Aaron Smith.

So would the Steelers, apparently