Steelers Cut Kicker Jeff Reed

Added on Nov 16, 2010 by Scott in

NFL

After nine years, a pair of Super Bowls and 204 made field goals, the Pittsburgh Steelers have parted ways with kicker Jeff Reed. The Steelers all-time leading scorer was having his worst season to date having converted only 15-22 attempts. In addition to his sudden erratic play, Reed has been mired in a contract dispute that resulted in some not-so flattering comments in the media. All of this made the decision to release him an easy one.

Replacing Reed will be journeyman Shaun Suisham, who last kicked for the Cowboys in 2009. His best seasons came in 2007 and 2008 with Washington when he nailed 55 of 71 field goals. The only question with Suisham is regarding his ability to handle the job in poor weather conditions. Kicking in Pittsburgh in December and January can be a challenge, to say the least.

As for Reed, he’ll probably have little trouble finding another gig. His career 82% made field goal percentage is one of the league’s best and with kickers going down at an unusually high rate, the phone should be ringing sooner rather than later.

Reed’s days in the ‘Burgh were clouded with a myriad of off the field issues, including citations for disorderly conduct and public intoxication, and internet photos of him in various states of drunken undress. Sounds like a perfect candidate for the Jets, who love troubled players and might be in the market for a new footie after Nick Folk shanked three field goals versus the Browns.

Source: NFL.com