Steelers say good-bye to Joey Porter

**starbuck** · March 1st, 2007, 07:04 PM

Steelers cut linebacker Joey Porter

March 1, 2007

PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Joey Porter, the vocal pass-rushing linebacker, was released by the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday.

The 29-year-old Porter, who was in the final year of his contract, had been the starting right outside linebacker since 2000, the year after he was drafted by the Steelers.

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Porter was to receive a $1 million bonus on March 6, and was due to earn $4 million in 2007.

"It's a business decision that was made," Steelers spokesman Dave Lockett said.

Porter played 122 games and made 106 starts. His 60 quarterback sacks rank fourth in team history.

The Steelers also released injured running back Verron Haynes and offensive tackle Ulish Booker, who spent the 2006 season on the reserve/injured list.

**1inStripes** · March 1st, 2007, 07:05 PM

Man I would love to see him wearing a star on his helmet.

**duckmeat** · March 1st, 2007, 07:12 PM

dallas has loads of linebackers, and demarcus ware has the right side covered.

**1inStripes** · March 1st, 2007, 07:32 PM

They have loads of LB's but too many average ones. I wouldn't mind dropping 1 or 2 if we picked him up. Your right about Ware, but what about Ellis if he can't recover from the achilles injury.

I like Burnett, but he hasn't done much yet. Carpenter is better suited beside James.

**duckmeat** · March 1st, 2007, 07:54 PM

yeah if they drop one or two that would be fine, but if not then signing him would be a mistake i think. they need a safety bad.

dallas also released bledsoe today. wonder where he will end up?

**1inStripes** · March 1st, 2007, 07:57 PM

Thats a good question. I am thinking possibly Minnesota if they can get him at a lower price. They have a good line, and by releasing Johnson no proven starter.

**duckmeat** · March 1st, 2007, 08:02 PM

yeah that would fit.

i think the bears should go after him. if they had him, i think they could definitely win the superbowl. he's better lefthanded than griese and grossman put together.

**1inStripes** · March 1st, 2007, 08:28 PM

I don't think I would go that far. You need a great line for Bledsoe. The only problem with him in Minnesota is their offense. I don't know how well he would run a version of the West Coast.

**Ironlung** · March 1st, 2007, 08:41 PM

[ QUOTE ]
they need a safety bad.

[/ QUOTE ]

Early indications are that they're going to take Nelson out of FL. That'd be great for them to have Roy Williams in run support and him helping over the top.