Shaun Suisham Released by Steelers: Latest Details, Comments, Reaction

The Pittsburgh Steelers announced the release of kicker Shaun Suisham on Friday after he failed a physical.

Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert commented on the transaction, per the team's news release:

"

Unfortunately Shaun incurred a setback in his recovery from knee surgery that won't allow him to compete in a timely manner. 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.

"

Suisham converted over 90 percent of his kicks in each of the previous three seasons he played. The 34-year-old missed all of the 2015 campaign due to a torn left ACL suffered during last year's Hall of Fame Game.

Suisham provided a statement on his release to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review's Mark Kaboly:

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler added more context to Suisham's release:

Suisham bounced around the NFL with moderate success in Washington but really hit his stride after arriving in Pittsburgh in 2010, when he converted 14 of 15 kicks in seven games.

Although he missed eight of 31 attempts the following year, Suisham would miss only eight of his next 95 attempts over the course of his final three seasons with the team.

According to Over The Cap, Pittsburgh saved $2.4 million by releasing Suisham. The Steelers also saw Chris Boswell have an exceptional 2015 in which he made 29 of 32 field goals and missed only one of 27 extra-point chances despite the considerably lengthened PAT distance.

Boswell is the place-kicker of the future for now, but job security at the position is always precarious. The 25-year-old lived up to the high standard Suisham set before him, and at least Pittsburgh has a viable alternative to turn to in the wake of Suisham's departure.