PITTSBURGH, Feb. 26 (UPI) -- The Pittsburgh Steelers made an expected roster move Wednesday by releasing veteran quarterback Kordell Stewart.
Stewart, who earned the nickname "Slash" early in his pro career because of his versatility and his ability as a wide receiver, was a second-round pick by the Steelers in 1995 out of Colorado. He has been a starter for most of the past six seasons.
He has the second-most passing yards in team history (13,328), and ranks 13th in rushing (2,561 yards) on Pittsburgh's all-time list.
"Kordell Stewart gave us everything he had and brought a lot of excitement and success to us on the field," said Steelers President Dan Rooney. "He also is a good person who contributed much of his time in this community. He always handled himself with class and dignity. We appreciate all of the contributions he has made to the Steelers and we wish him well."
Stewart always was plagued by his inconsistency, struggled in big games, and was demoted last season when Tommy Maddox was named the starter after the third game of 2002.
Still, Coach Bill Cowher said Stewart's release was a matter of money.
"In order for us to comply with the salary cap, we are forced to make some very difficult decisions," Cowher said. "He was a terrific player for us and always handled himself as a consummate professional. We wish Kordell all the best as he continues his NFL career."
In his career, Stewart is 1,190-of-2,107 (56.5 percent) for 12,328 yards, with 70 touchdowns and 72 interceptions. He also has rushed for 2,540 yards and 35 scores, and has 658 receiving yards and five touchdowns.
In 2002, he completed 66 percent of his passes, but threw for just 1,155 yards with six touchdowns and six interceptions in seven games, five of them starts.
After an 0-2 start, Maddox led the Steelers to a 16-13 win over Cleveland, and Stewart was relegated to the bench for the rest of the season, losing his job for the third time in four years. The Steelers missed the playoffs each year from 1998-2000, and Stewart lost his job twice in that span.
He rebounded in 2001, leading Pittsburgh to a 13-3 mark and the AFC title game, only to throw three interceptions at home against New England.
