Steelers Release Undrafted Local Product Brandon Lindsey

Between his hometown connection to the Pittsburgh Steelers via the University of Pittsburgh and Aliquippa High School and the Steelers potential need for a developmental outside linebacker, Brandon Lindsey seemed like the perfect candidate to be an undrafted player who sticks with his first team. He was even on the "all-undrafted team" put together by Dan Pompei of the National Football Post.

Now, it looks like he will have to find another team—or at least wait another year—to get his shot. Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports that the Steelers released Lindsey today. The Steelers also signed linebacker Ryan Baker, but the team already had a roster spot open after releasing Troy Smith earlier this month.

Steelers Depot reports that Lindsey might have been waived with a shoulder injury, which could mean that they will stash him on injured reserve as long as he clears waivers. While that could give Lindsey another chance to make his dream of playing for the Steelers come true, this can't be how he pictured his first season in the NFL going only two months in and before his first training camp.

Lindsey had been lining up with the second team while James Harrison and Jason Worilds were recovering from injuries, so the team got a good look at him this spring. Barker, the new addition, is more of a 3-4 inside linebacker than an edge-rushing 3-4 outside linebacker, so 2011 fifth-round pick Chris Carter's roster spot is looking safer with Lindsey out of the picture.