After 3 years, the Pittsburgh Steelers cut 2nd round draft pick Limas Sweed. The highly successful tall-wide receiver from the University of Texas is exactly what Big Ben has always wanted since Plaxico Burress left town.
With the release of Sweed, he can now be considered the biggest draft flop in recent memory. In fact, Sweed may be considered the 2nd biggest WR draft flop in Steelers history behind 1st round pick Troy Edwards during the Bill Cowher era.
The Steelers decided to release Sweed instead of placing rookie running back Baron Batch on injured reserve. Batch underwent surgery yesterday to repair a torn ACL he suffered last week.
The Steelers must pay the final year of Sweed’s 4-year, $3.3 million rookie contract until his shoulder injury is healed. The Steelers also can retain Sweed and place him on injured reserve if no other team claims him.
Today, Sweed finished his Steelers career with only 7 catches. Over the past three years, Sweed has been plagued with personal issues especially lack of confidence as well as being injury prone. This training camp was critical for Sweed to prove his worth especially given his history and recovering from his 2010 season-ending achilles injury.
Apparently, Sweed didn’t convince the Steelers coaching staff of his worth. It’s not over for Sweed though. Another team can still claim Sweed or the Steelers would re-sign him.
Let’s not forget that pro bowler James Harrison was once cut by the Steelers.
