Steelers release Bryant McFadden and Arnaz Battle

The Pittsburgh Steelers have begun their first set of cuts and today's moves were no surprise. CB Bryant McFadden and WR Arnaz Battle were officially released today. Both were overpaid backups with pretty much no role on the team by the end of the season.

McFadden carried a cap hit of $2,666,667 million, while Battle a special teams captain, was due a base salary of $1,037 million and had a cap hit of $1.362 million.

McFadden the Steelers 2nd round pick in 2005, was a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Steelers but struggled during his second stint with the Steelers. After being the team's starting left cornerback throughout the 2010 season, McFadden lost his starting job at cornerback this past season following a week 1 injury and was never able to win back playing time.

He eventually fell to 6th on the depth chart and rarely saw the field this season. McFadden though was a factor on special teams.

The Steelers are believed to be around $18 million over the salary cap now, after saving approximately $10 million with the restructuring of LaMarr Woodley's deal and cutting McFadden, Battle.