As die-hard Pittsburgh Steelers fans, we know the team has been at the forefront of NFL success for decades. However, part of that longevity comes from the management's ability to make tough decisions and prioritize assets to build a winning culture. Although those choices don't always work out as planned, sometimes it leaves some disappointed players and fans alike after failing to reflect what was expected.
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Brett Keisel, a former defensive end for the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers, takes a selfie with Steelers fans before a game in Seattle on Sunday, November 29.
This article will focus on three cases where released Steelers players didn't reach their full potential before getting cut too early.
1. Steelers' Martavis Bryant, WR
In the 2014 NFL Draft, the Steelers selected the skillful wide receiver out of Clemson in the fourth round. Bryant was surrounded by absolute talent at the wide receiver position at Clemson, including Sammy Watkins and DeAndre Hopkins, both first-round NFL Draft choices.
After two seasons of waiting, he finally broke through in year three with the Tigers, catching 42 receptions for 828 yards and seven touchdowns, averaging over 20 yards per reception and displaying his big-play talents.
The Steelers picked Bryant with a low-risk fourth-round choice, as they have done for over a decade, and he proved to be a tremendous value pick almost immediately; he caught 14 touchdown passes while averaging more than 17 yards per reception. Bryant was traded to the Raiders rather than be released but the point remains the same. One can only wonder what could have been with Bryant.
He hasn't played another NFL down since being suspended and released by the Raiders in 2018, despite requesting reinstatement in 2019. Bryant is seeking to make a comeback by showcasing his talents for the XFL's Vegas Vipers.
2. Steelers' Emmanuel Sanders, WR
The Steelers seem to pick offensive talent players better than other teams, particularly after the first round. Another example is the choice of former SMU standout receiver Emmanuel Sanders in the third round (82nd overall) of the 2010 NFL Draft.
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Former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver, Emmanuel Sanders (88)
Sanders was a significant role player for the Steelers in his first two seasons, returning kicks and some punts while piling up 93 total passing targets in 2010 and 2011. Sanders truly began to have some meaningful work with the Steelers' offense in his third NFL season, recording a mini-breakthrough performance with 44 catches on 75 targets, the most of his NFL career to that time.
Sanders established himself as a sought-after free agent in his fourth season, catching 67 catches for 740 yards and six touchdowns. It was enough to pique the interest of the Denver Broncos, who were coming off the most productive offensive season in league history. Denver lost wide receiver Eric Decker to the New York Jets in free agency and was able to sign Sanders at a low cost.
Sanders had a chance at a second Super Bowl after being traded to the San Francisco 49ers, but the team came up just short in Super Bowl LIV against the Kansas City Chiefs. He spent the 2020 season with the New Orleans Saints and 2021 in Buffalo, totaling over 7,000 yards and 40 touchdowns in his NFL career outside of Pittsburgh.
3. Steelers' Le’Veon Bell, RB
Le'Veon Bell was selected by the Steelers in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft out of Michigan State, and he quickly established himself as an every-down threat. In his initial year with the Steelers, he had just under 1,300 yards from scrimmage, followed by a four-year span in which he averaged over 2,300 yards from scrimmage and 12 touchdowns per season. Unfortunately, a contract issue forced Bell to miss the 2018 NFL season before signing as a free agent with the New York Jets in 2019.
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Former Steelers' running back Le'Veon Bell excelled during his time in Pittsburgh, but contract disputes ended in an ugly breakup.
Did the Steelers abandon Bell too quickly? Possibly. The Steelers could have used Bell's talents in 2018 after just missing out on winning the division, finishing 9-6-1. Meanwhile, Bell went to New York in 2019 and totaled just under 1,250 yards, proving himself useful in the run and pass game.
After that, however, Bell wasn't the same. The Jets barely used him in 2020 and traded him to Kansas City. Then in 2021, he latched on to Tampa Bay and Baltimore.
Final Thoughts
The Steelers have built a winning culture by making tough decisions and prioritizing assets. Although the Pittsburgh Steelers odds of success aren't always a guarantee, it's clear that the three players discussed in this article had the talent to become some of the best NFL stars. Unfortunately, they never reached that level for various reasons. It shows how even with a great organization like the Pittsburgh Steelers, there are no assurances when predicting future successes or failures for any given individual.
