Hard-Working Verron is Gone

The most interesting cut to me is the cutting of Verron Haynes, the 6-year veteran out of Georgia.

Haynes has gone from being a Pittsburgh Magazine "Most Eligible" Bachelor to a possible smart pick-up for any team seeking a hard-runner with explosiveness (but not breakaway speed).

Haynes was in a tough position, having been dropped in the off-season due to salary dealings. When he finally came to terms, his years of service paled against the youth and speed -- and especially, special teams skills -- of his primary competitors Carey Davis and Gary Russell.

Haynes was featured in the team's last preseason tussle, and while he showed good instincts and hard running, the young guns simply showed more value...

The Steelers also made a last-minute deal with the Falcons, offering a conditional 2008 draft pick for the services of Return Man extraordinaire Allen ROssum... the diminutive Rossum was ST player of the Year a few years ago... He was brought in to either replace the troubled Willie Reid, or to give the Steelers options in their punt return unit.