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2012 NFL Free Agency: Steelers Release Bryant McFadden, Arnaz Battle

The Steelers kicked off the offseason by releasing wide receiver Arnaz battle and former playoff hero Bryant McFadden.

PITTSBURGH PA - JANUARY 23:  Bryant McFadden #20 of the Pittsburgh Steelers pumps up the defense prior to the 2011 AFC Championship game at Heinz Field on January 23 2011 in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania.  (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH PA - JANUARY 23: Bryant McFadden #20 of the Pittsburgh Steelers pumps up the defense prior to the 2011 AFC Championship game at Heinz Field on January 23 2011 in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)
Getty Images

The Pittsburgh Steelers are likely still licking their wounds after that loss to the Denver Broncos in the playoffs, but now that the Super bowl is over it's time to turn their attention to the offseason, and improving their team for the upcoming season.

The first step is free agency, and trimming some of the fat on their own roster. The first blow came down on Thursday, as the Steelers released cornerback Bryant McFadden and wide receiver Arnaz Battle, according to Scott Brown of the Tribune-Review. McFadden was an experienced cornerback, but his injuries and failure to perform this past season cost him his job.

McFadden started the 2011 season-opener, but he missed the next three games with a nagging hamstring injury and lost his job to William Gay. McFadden, who played in three Super Bowls with the Steelers and won a pair of rings, also gave way to rookie cornerbacks Cortez Allen and Curtis Brown as the season progressed.

But that is not what McFadden will be remembered for. As Behind the Steel Curtain points out, McFadden had one of the biggest plays in recent Steelers memory. Battle was not as much of an impact player in his career with the Steelers, failing to register a single catch in the regular season.

For more on this and all things Steelers football, head over to Behind the Steel Curtain.

Photographs by dizfunk used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.