March 23 (UPI) – The Pittsburgh Steelers released starting cornerback Steven Nelson after two seasons, the team announced on Tuesday.
The move, which saved the Steelers more than $ 8 million in wage caps, came less than an hour after Nelson asked the Steelers not to hold him “hostage”.
Shortly after his release, Nelson posted another message on social media thanking the organization for granting his wish.
“I love Pittsburgh very much, I appreciate the opportunity and relationships I have gained along the way. Respect for a top-down class A organization,” wrote Nelson on Twitter. “Many thanks to my supporters from Day 1 and I can’t forget my haters. You motivate me more than you know.”
Lots of love for Pittsburgh I appreciate the opportunity and relationships I gained along the way to top-down respect for a Class A organization. Thank you to my Day 1 supporters and I can’t forget my haters. You motivate me more than you know # nelsonisland – Steve Nelson (@Nelson_Island) March 23, 2021
The Steelers’ decision to part ways with Nelson was awaited after the franchise granted cornerback permission to seek a deal last week, according to ESPN. However, Pittsburgh could not find a trading partner and decided to release him.
The Kansas City Chiefs selected Nelson from the state of Oregon in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft. He spent his first four seasons in Kansas City before signing a three-year, $ 25.5 million deal with the Steelers in March 2019.
Nelson started 30 games in two seasons for the Steelers. Last season he recorded a total of 48 tackles, two interceptions and nine defended passes.
Nelson, 28, has scored 291 tackles, one forced fumble, four forced recoveries, seven picks and 52 pass separations in 82 career games with the Chiefs and Steelers.
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