After signing a two-year, $3 million deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers to help bolster a receiving corps that lost Emmanuel Sanders and Jerricho Cotchery to free agency, Lance Moore came in believing he would play a significant role in 2014.
That clearly did not happen after a 14-catch season where Moore was often invisible in the Steeler offense, and more often than not, was not even on the field to make contributions. Due to that lack of playing time, it is being reported by ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter that Moore has requested his release from the Steelers.
Steelers WR Lance Moore has asked Pittsburgh for his release, per sources. Moore is two seasons removed from 1,000-yd receiving season.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 2, 2015
Moore came in as a intriguing option to fill the slot receiver role vacated by Sanders, and his 65-catch, 1,041 yard performance with the New Orleans Saints in 2012 indicated he had the ability to be an important addition to the Steeler offense. However, nagging injuries that had dogged him during his eight seasons with the Saints once again cost Moore early in training camp, seemingly causing him fall behind the depth chart of Justin Brown and rookie Martavis Bryant.
In 14 games for the Steelers, Moore was only able to produce 14 catches for 198 yards and two touchdowns.
With Bryant and Markus Wheaton clearly in place to join All-Pro Antonio Brown as the primary receivers again in 2015, the release of Moore would give the former University of Toledo standout an opportunity to find playing time elsewhere.
According to ESPN.com, the Steelers would absorb a $322,500 cap hit in 2015 if he is released.
