P-O-Z
03-01-2007, 05:13 PM
:wtf Steelers Release Porter, Haynes; Tender Offers to Starks, St. Pierre
PITTSBURGH — The Steelers released veteran outside linebacker Joey Porter and running back Verron Haynes, the team announced today.
Porter, an eight-year veteran, was originally selected by the Steelers in the third round (73rd overall) of the 1999 NFL Draft out of Colorado State.
Porter started in 14 games in 2006, and finished the season tied for seventh on the team with 64 tackles (43 solo). He led the Steelers with seven quarterback sacks and intercepted two passes which tied for second on the team.
In eight seasons with the Steelers, Porter played in 122 games and made 106 starts. He recorded 498 tackles (374 solo) and 10 interceptions, and ranks fourth in team history with 60 quarterback sacks. Porter, who was the team's defensive co-captain since 2003, earned three trips to the Pro Bowl (2003, 2005 and 2006) and was voted Steelers' co-MVP in 2002.
Haynes was the Steelers' fifth round draft choice in 2002 (166th overall). He played seven games in 2006 before being placed on the reserve/injured list with a knee injury versus Oakland (Oct. 29). Haynes played in 60 games with the Steelers and rushed for 738 yards and three touchdowns on 174 carries (4.2 avg.).
The Steelers also made tender offers to offensive tackle Max Starks and quarterback Brian St. Pierre.
By making the tenders to Starks and St. Pierre, the Steelers reserve the right to retain the players by matching any offer sheets they would sign with another team. Starks and St. Pierre could also remain with the Steelers by signing their tender offer for 2007 or by signing a long-term contract with the team.
Starks will enter his fourth NFL season in 2007 after being drafted by the Steelers in the third round (75th overall) of the 2004 NFL Draft. He has started 30 career games after becoming a full-time starter in 2005. He helped Pittsburgh rank third in the AFC in 2006 in total yards per game (357.8) and aided in Willie Parker's team-record rushing performance (233 rushing yards) in a win over Cleveland in Week 14.
St. Pierre spent nearly the entire 2006 season with Steelers on both the active roster and practice squad. St. Pierre, originally drafted by the Steelers in the fifth round (163rd overall) of the 2003 NFL Draft, has spent three years with Pittsburgh and has also spent time on the Baltimore Ravens' 53-man roster and their practice squad.
The Steelers also released offensive tackle Ulish Booker, who spent the 2006 season on the team's reserve/injured list after hurting his knee in the preseason.
PITTSBURGH — The Steelers released veteran outside linebacker Joey Porter and running back Verron Haynes, the team announced today.
Porter, an eight-year veteran, was originally selected by the Steelers in the third round (73rd overall) of the 1999 NFL Draft out of Colorado State.
Porter started in 14 games in 2006, and finished the season tied for seventh on the team with 64 tackles (43 solo). He led the Steelers with seven quarterback sacks and intercepted two passes which tied for second on the team.
In eight seasons with the Steelers, Porter played in 122 games and made 106 starts. He recorded 498 tackles (374 solo) and 10 interceptions, and ranks fourth in team history with 60 quarterback sacks. Porter, who was the team's defensive co-captain since 2003, earned three trips to the Pro Bowl (2003, 2005 and 2006) and was voted Steelers' co-MVP in 2002.
Haynes was the Steelers' fifth round draft choice in 2002 (166th overall). He played seven games in 2006 before being placed on the reserve/injured list with a knee injury versus Oakland (Oct. 29). Haynes played in 60 games with the Steelers and rushed for 738 yards and three touchdowns on 174 carries (4.2 avg.).
The Steelers also made tender offers to offensive tackle Max Starks and quarterback Brian St. Pierre.
By making the tenders to Starks and St. Pierre, the Steelers reserve the right to retain the players by matching any offer sheets they would sign with another team. Starks and St. Pierre could also remain with the Steelers by signing their tender offer for 2007 or by signing a long-term contract with the team.
Starks will enter his fourth NFL season in 2007 after being drafted by the Steelers in the third round (75th overall) of the 2004 NFL Draft. He has started 30 career games after becoming a full-time starter in 2005. He helped Pittsburgh rank third in the AFC in 2006 in total yards per game (357.8) and aided in Willie Parker's team-record rushing performance (233 rushing yards) in a win over Cleveland in Week 14.
St. Pierre spent nearly the entire 2006 season with Steelers on both the active roster and practice squad. St. Pierre, originally drafted by the Steelers in the fifth round (163rd overall) of the 2003 NFL Draft, has spent three years with Pittsburgh and has also spent time on the Baltimore Ravens' 53-man roster and their practice squad.
The Steelers also released offensive tackle Ulish Booker, who spent the 2006 season on the team's reserve/injured list after hurting his knee in the preseason.