NFL Free Agency: Antwaan Randle El and 5 Steelers Who Could Get Released

The Pittsburgh Steelers need to shed cap space to sign players for 2011 and beyond. This means that we may have seen the last of Antwaan Randle El and others in a Steelers' uniform.

With the releasing of offensive lineman Max Starks, the Steelers saved more than five million dollars for cap room.

Randle El makes two million and offensive lineman Flozell Adams makes five million. These are the type of players Steelers' fans should expect to be released Thursday or Friday.

Here are five players that could become free agents.

No. 5: Daniel Sepulveda

Daniel Sepulveda averaged 45.5 yards per punt in 2010.

He has been a great punter for the Steelers in his brief NFL career, but as he was injured for four regular season games and the Playoffs, Jeremy Kapinos stepped in admirably.

Kapinos averaged 42 yards per punt during the regular season, but his numbers improved by six yards in the postseason.

Special teams are vital in football, especially in the NFL. The San Diego Chargers were the best offensive and defensive team in football last season, but they had one of the worst special teams in the league too. They missed the postseason.

No. 4: Chris Hoke

Chris Hoke is a high-character guy. He is the type of player that you hate to see get cut, but that could be the reality for this long-time Steelers' defensive lineman.

He did a great job of replacing Casey Hampton, whenever he got injured. He also was great for spelling defensive lineman whenever they were tired.

Re-signing Hoke shouldn't cost the Steelers too much money, but he isn't high on the priority list.

No. 3: Aaron Smith

Aaron Smith is a player that is undervalued in the National Football League. The Steelers' defense is that much better when he is 100 percent healthy.

There lies the problem. He is rarely healthy.

He recorded 15 tackles in 2010.

If the Steelers can restructure Smith's contract, I would welcome the 35-year-old back as the starting defensive end. He desperately wants to redeem himself after not being able to not only compete in the regular season, but especially in the Super Bowl.

If they can't restructure, he may be on his way out of the Steel-City.

No. 2: Flozell Adams

Flozell Adams is a 36-year-old 14-year NFL pro that would be due five million dollars in 2011.

Adams was decent, at times, but struggled in pass protection in 2010. Of course, having a quarterback like Ben Roethlisberger will never make the offensive line look particularly good.

Adams does do a particularly well job with his run blocking, allowing the Steelers' rushing attack to average 120 yards per game.

Giving Adams five millions five years ago would sound like a pretty good idea, but not with his age. Maybe the Steelers could work with Adams on a pay cut.

With Max Starks' releasing, Adams chances of getting re-signed improve slightly, but it still will be a long shot.

No. 1: Antwaan Randle El

Antwaan Randle El is pretty much guaranteed to be released by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

He collected 22 receptions for 253 yards in 2010.

Randle El was non-existent throughout the entire 2010 NFL season as he watched his playing time decrease game after game.

There isn't a need for Randle El and his $2 million could be used in different areas of need.

With Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders taking the majority of playing time as the third and fourth wide receivers, Randle El will be looking for work elsewhere in 2011.