The Steelers had to release wide receiver Donte Moncrief by Thursday of next week or forfeit a chance to acquire a third-round compensatory pick for the loss of Le'Veon Bell in free agency.
With some injuries at the running back position, they didn't wait that long. Moncrief was released Saturday to make room for running back Tony Brooks-James, who was signed off their practice squad.
The release of Moncrief comes after a disappointing season for the veteran receiver. Signed in the offseason to help offset the loss of Antonio Brown, Moncrief never settled into the Steelers' lineup, battling through a finger injury he suffered in training camp.