Last week I speculated that the Pittsburgh Steelers would likely be releasing one of their five quarterbacks soon and Monday we got word that former Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith has been released.
The move now means that the Steelers have decided to take Jerrod Johnson to training camp with them as their fourth quarterback. Carrying five quarterbacks in camp was just not likely as there just aren\’t enough reps to go around. Smith was a longshot at best to beat out Charlie Batch for the number three job, and although Johnson is also a longshot, he has practice squad eligibility should he show enough in the preseason to warrant keeping.
Smith was signed to the Steelers expanded roster back in late January after he spent last season with the Omaha Nighthawks of the UFL. Smith was originally drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the 5th round of the 2007 NFL draft out of Ohio State. Smith started just two games for the Ravens over the course of three seasons and spent the 2010 season with San Francisco 49ers where he started six games.
There is no word yet on a corresponding roster move to fill the open spot on the 90 man roster.
