Steelers Trade for Rossum; Cut Haynes and 22 Others

Sep 2, 2007, 3:59 GMT

Pittsburgh, PA - The Pittsburgh Steelers traded a conditional 2008 Draft pick to the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for return specialist Allen Rossum on Saturday, also releasing veteran running back Verron Haynes among their 23 cuts.

The 31-year-old Rossum had spent the last five seasons as a return specialist and reserve defensive back in Atlanta, scoring three touchdowns on returns during his time with the Falcons. Rossum has also been a member of the Philadelphia Eagles (1998-99) and Green Bay Packers (2000-01) during his 10- year NFL career.

Haynes had spent the last five seasons on the Pittsburgh roster, appearing in 60 games with the Steelers and winning a Super Bowl ring following the 2005 season. The Georgia product, who has 738 rushing yards, 57 receptions, and five touchdowns during his pro career, was passed over in favor of younger players like Gary Russell and Carey Davis.

Also waived on Saturday were wide receiver Dallas Baker, tight end Cody Boyd, tackle Jason Capizzi, tight end Jon Dekker, cornerback Chidi Iwuoma, cornerback Jovon Johnson, fullback John Kuhn, safety Mike Lorello, cornerback Anthony Madison, cornerback Grant Mason, defensive end Ryan McBean, defensive end Shaun Nua, center Chukky Okobi, defensive tackle Scott Paxson, center Marvin Philip, quarterback Bryan Randall, linebacker Ron Stanley, guard Cameron Stephenson, tackle Brandon Torrey, wide receiver Gerran Walker, linebacker Rian Wallace and wide receiver Walter Young.

Notables among that group include 2007 Draft picks Baker (seventh round), McBean (fourth round), Stephenson (fifth round); recently-named special teams captain Iwuoma; Madison, who played in 13 games a year ago; Okobi, who appeared in 77 games with the Steelers from 2001 through 2006; and Wallace a 2005 fifth-round pick who participated in 12 games with the club last season.

The Steelers will open their regular season on Sept. 9th, when they visit Cleveland.

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