NFL Football 2012: Rough Start to Career for Rutgers OL Desmond Stapleton

Undrafted, Desmond Stapleton was given a second chance to play in the NFL when the Pittsburgh Steelers signed him to a free agent contract.

"I’m just trying to go back out there and prove myself" (via SB Nation), Stapleton said as the NFL draft entered its final day back in April. "I've still got ball left in me."

But the former Rutgers offensive lineman may not get the chance to fulfill that dream unless he can get a second look from another team. After failing the team's physical, Stapleton was released from the Steelers during their rookie camp.

Stapleton, who had had surgery to repair a damaged right knee, knew that he would be facing an uphill battle while trying to make an NFL team. As a graduating letterman, the 6'5", 302-pound tackle already has had two operations on his knee and had been considered to be a prospect with good flexibility but had some problems with his footwork.

One possible landing spot is Tampa Bay, where Stapleton's former coach, Greg Schiano, is currently fine-tuning his roster for the Buccaneers' 2012 season.