What's Happening?
The Pittsburgh Steelers have announced the release of 12 players from their roster, including rookie kicker Ben Sauls. Despite Sauls' impressive performance, going 4-for-4 on field goal attempts in a recent game against the Panthers, the team decided to waive him. Sauls, an undrafted rookie, demonstrated his skills with successful kicks from various distances, including 38, 50, 49, and 28 yards. His overall preseason performance included 5-of-6 field goals and perfect execution of six PATs, with only one miss from 43 yards. The Steelers attempted to trade Sauls but were unsuccessful, leading to his release. Other players waived include linebackers Mark Robinson and Julius Welschof, defensive backs D'Shawn Jamison and Daryl Porter, and several others.
Why It's Important?
The roster cuts by the Steelers are part of the team's strategy to finalize their lineup for the upcoming season. The release of Ben Sauls, despite his strong preseason performance, indicates the competitive nature of NFL roster decisions and the challenges faced by undrafted rookies in securing a spot. Sauls' potential interest from other teams, such as the Dolphins, underscores the demand for skilled kickers in the league. The cuts also reflect the team's focus on optimizing their roster, balancing performance, and strategic needs as they prepare for the regular season.
What's Next?
Ben Sauls is likely to attract interest from other NFL teams, particularly those in need of a reliable kicker, such as the Dolphins. The waiver process will determine his next opportunity in the league. For the Steelers, the focus will shift to integrating the remaining players and refining their strategies for the upcoming season. The released players will seek new opportunities, either through waivers or free agency, as they aim to continue their professional careers.
