Steelers Release K Shaun Suisham, Sign RB Brandon Johnson

June 24, 2016

Update:

Former Steelers K Shaun Suisham issued a statement to Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review regarding his release.

“Unfortunately, the injury I sustained in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game last preseason was catastrophic and has proven to be critical to continuing my career. My journey in the NFL has come to a crossroads.

“I was raised in Wallaceburg, Ontario, as a hockey player and have been on an improbable 16-year journey as a kicker, competing at the highest level. The absolute nature of my position has given me the opportunity to test my resolve, and I have grown both professionally and as a man.

“Undoubtedly, I will miss the challenge of game day and the preparation that is required. Change is hard, but I’m comfortable with where I am in life as a husband and father.

“I will always be grateful to every team and coach that has given me an opportunity to compete in the NFL. I am especially grateful to everyone — teammates, coaches and fans — in our adopted hometown of Pittsburgh, Pa.”

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The Pittsburgh Steelers announced Friday that they’ve released K Shaun Suisham and signed RB Brandon Johnson.

The Steelers cut Suisham with a failed physical designation.

“Unfortunately Shaun incurred a setback in his recovery from knee surgery that won’t allow him to compete in a timely manner,” said Steelers General Manager Kevin Colbert. “Shaun has played a significant role in our success during his time in Pittsburgh. He has been the consummate professional on the field and in our community. We wish he and his family all the best in the future.”

Last year, Suisham suffered a torn ACL during the preseason and was subsequently placed on season-ending injured reserve.

This means that Chris Boswell should open the season as the team’s place kicker.

Suisham, 34, was in the third year of his four-year, $12.575 million extension he signed with the Steelers back in 2014. He was set to make a base salary of $2.4 million for the 2016 season.

According to OverTheCap.com, releasing Suisham will free up $2.4 million in available cap space while creating $1.103 million in dead money.

In 2014, Suisham appeared in all 16 games for the Steelers and converted 29 of 32 field goals attempts (90.6) to go along with all 45 extra point tries and 32 touchbacks.