Steelers release CB Allen
FILE- In this July 26, 2015, file photo, Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Cortez Allen (28) attends NFL football training camp in Latrobe, Pa. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic, File)
A Pittsburgh Steelers helmut sits on the turf before an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens in Baltimore, Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
When the Steelers signed Cortez Allen to a five-year contract worth $25 million just before the 2014 regular season opener, they thought they were locking up a promising young cornerback for the future.
But nagging injuries ended Allen’s 2014 and 2015 seasons and Friday, the Steelers parted ways with the 27-year-old by releasing him.
The release of Allen, who was scheduled to make $4.4 million in 2016, saves the Steelers $1.7 million against their salary cap, giving them about $3 million in cap space.
The Steelers had reportedly asked Allen to take a pay cut after back-to-back seasons ended with him on injured reserve, first with a broken hand in 2014, then with a nagging knee issue in 2015.
All told, Allen appeared in 12 games since signing his contract extension, making 47 tackles and two interceptions.
The release of Allen comes days before the Steelers were set to start their 2016 offseason training program and two weeks before the NFL Draft, which is scheduled to begin April 28.
Already thin at the position, Allen’s release leaves the Steelers with veteran William Gay, Ross Cockrell and journeyman Isaiah Frey as the only cornerbacks on the roster with any true NFL experience.
The team also has Senquez Golson, a second-round pick who missed all of last season; Doran Grant, a fourth-round pick last year who did not see any time at the position; former West Chester standout Al-Haji Shabazz and Montell Garner, a pair of first-year players, on their roster.
Pittsburgh ranked 30th in 2015 in pass defense and had already seen cornerbacks Antwon Blake and Brandon Boykin sign elsewhere in free agency.
The Steelers are expected to focus largely on their defense in the upcoming draft.
Allen, a fourth-round draft pick in 2011, appeared mostly on special teams as a rookie. But he played a much larger role in 2012 and 2013, appearing in 29 games and recording 2016 tackles, four interceptions and forcing three fumbles while also defending 23 passes.
His play declined significantly after he signed his contract in 2014 and after opening the season as one of the team’s starting corners, he found himself out of the starting lineup early in the season.