The Pittsburgh Steelers made their latest roster moves official Friday, announcing veterans James Farrior and Aaron Smith will be released.
Steelers President Art Rooney II told the team's website that head coach Mike Tomlin had notified both players they would be released before the start of the new league year on March 13.
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"Both Aaron and James have given their all during their time in Pittsburgh and we appreciate their efforts and leadership they gave us," Rooney said.
Smith was originally drafted by the Steelers in the fourth round of the 1999 NFL Draft out of Northern Colorado. He spent 13 years with Pittsburgh and was named to the Pro Bowl following the 2004 season. But injuries plagued him in recent seasons, as Smith was placed on injured reserve three times (2007, 2009, 2011) in the past five seasons.
"He has done so much for the Steelers on and off the field, and he has been one of our veteran leaders in our locker room," Rooney said. "We appreciate everything that he has done for our team and the Pittsburgh community, and we will always hold him in high regard for helping us to so much success over his 13 years with the team."
Farrior, a two-time Pro Bowl selection, served as a Steelers team captain and the experienced signal-caller for coordinator Dick LeBeau's defense. He started all 154 games he played over 10 seasons in Pittsburgh and started in three Super Bowls.
The moves are the latest chapter in a Steelers' makeover headlined by the release of Farrior, Smith, guard Chris Kemoeatu and wide receiver Hines Ward this week.
