Steelers Release former LSU Safety John Battle

The Steelers have released safety John Battle, the team announced on Saturday.

Battle signed a reserve/future contract with the Steelers on Jan. 9. He spent training camp in 2019 with the New York Jets after joining that club as an undrafted free agent out of LSU.

In 38 games with the Tigers, Battle recorded 143 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, five interceptions, forced two fumbles and defended 11 passes.

Battle, 25, saw his greatest opportunity at a roster spot closed when the Steelers signed free agent safety Curtis Riley on the eve of camp and he impressed in early work as a backup to strong safety Terrell Edmunds.

Battle is the 24th player to be released by the Steelers since the end of training camp on Friday, joining cornerback Trajan Bandy, defensive ends Henry Mondeaux and Calvin Taylor, defensive tackles Dan McCullers and Cavon Walker, offensive lineman Anthony Coyle, Christian DiLauro, Derwin Gray, Jarron Jones and John Keenoy, outside linebacker Tuzar Skipper, long snapper Liam McCullough, punter Corliss Waitman, quarterback Paxton Lynch, running backs Trey Edmunds, Wendell Smallwood and Kerrith Whyte, Jr., tight ends Kyle Markway and Kevin Rader, and wide receivers  Saeed Blacknall, Deon Cain, Amara Darboh, Ryan Switzer and DeAndre Thompkins.