Report: Steelers Release 6th Rd Draft Pick Sutton Smith

The Steelers have released outside linebacker Sutton Smith, according to a report by Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle.

Smith, the Steelers’ sixth-round pick out of Northern Illinois, was a collegiate defensive end and pass-rushing specialist that the Steelers’ attempted to turn into an outside linebacker, fullback, and special teams ace.

The plan was stalled by an abdominal injury that forced Smith to miss most of the team’s training camp.

Smith played in the team’s final two preseason games and recorded three tackles, one-half sack and defended a pass.

He is the second drafted player to be released by the Steelers since the end of the preseason, joining guard Derwin Gray, and the 11th player released overall, joining tight end/long snapper Trevor Wood, cornerbacks Marcelis Branch and Jhavonte Dean , defensive linemen Henry Mondeaux and Casey Sayles, outside linebacker Jay Elliott, wide receiver Brandon Reilly, tight end Kevin Radar and running back Malik Williams.

The Steelers’ roster now stands at 80 players. They must get down to 53 players by 4 p.m. Saturday.