Pittsburgh Steelers make several roster moves as new league year inches closer

With the new NFL league year to begin in a few short weeks -- March 9th to be exact -- the Pittsburgh Steelers did some house cleaning in anticipation of the event by signing two players, and releasing three.

First, those who were added. The team signed defensive tackle Lavon Hooks. Hooks was an undrafted free agent who spent the majority of his time in 2015 with the Green Bay Packers before being released. They also added long snapper Matt Dooley. Fans might have recalled veteran long snapper Greg Warren being signed to a new contract just last week, but Dooley will likely spell Warren this Spring, as well as be a potential replacement in the future.

Now, the players who are now looking for employment. Tight End Rob Blanchflower, offensive lineman Kevin Palmer and Mitchell Van Dyk were all released with failed physical designations, likely meaning the players have an injury which the team has decided to simply cut ties with them moving forward.

The Steelers now prepare themselves to evaluate their own free agents, other potential free agents about to hit the open market, and the upcoming NFL Draft.