Steelers veteran OT Flozell Adams has been released after refusing to take a pay cut, reports Post-Gazette Steelers writer Ed Bouchette.
Bouchette posted on Twitter at approximately 9:15 a.m. ET Adams declined the Steelers request to take a pay cut in light of the team signing Willie Colon and Jonathan Scott to long-term extensions. The 35-year-old Adams was scheduled to make $5 million this season. Adams was signed last season to replace Colon, and started on the right side after spending his entire career at left tackle with Dallas. After speculation all off-season, it appears the Steelers have their offensive line of both now and the future in place. Scott will likely be the left tackle again this season, and Colon will return to the right side. Colon, who was one of the best right tackles in the game in 2009, missed all of 2010 after rupturing his Achilles tendon in mini-camp last May. Second-year and returning Pro Bowl C Maurkice Pouncey will return after breaking his foot in the AFC Championship game against New York. While it's reported LG Chis Kemoeatu was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list due to swelling in his knee, he's projected to assume his position at left guard. Ramon Foster appears to be the front-runner for the right guard position, although veteran OL Trai Essex could be brought back and compete for that spot. He is currently a free agent.