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The Steelers' offseason work just got a little easier.
Wide receiver Lance Moore is requesting the team release him from the final year of his contract, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Moore counts approximately $1.8 million against the team's salary cap in 2015, and the Steelers will save $1.5 million by releasing the 31-year-old Moore.
He finished a disappointing 2014 season with 14 catches for 198 yards and two touchdowns.
The rise of Martavis Bryant and the continued development of Markus Wheaton give the Steelers a formidable three-receiver combination, as the two young (and inexpensive) players join Antonio Brown, the NFL's most prolific receiver. Keeping Moore at this point, with cap space being at a premium this offseason, would be foolish.
It's simply a matter of time until Moore is granted his release, whether he's requesting it or not.
The Steelers emerged in 2014 as one of the best passing offenses in the NFL. It's unlikely either Moore or veteran Darrius Heyward-Bey will be brought back in 2015, leaving a few spots open deep on the team's receivers depth chart.