Steelers Release Tuman, Kriewaldt and Rossum

   PITTSBURGH — The Steelers released three veteran players today when they terminated the contracts of tight end Jerame Tuman, linebacker Clint Kriewaldt and cornerback/kick returner Allen Rossum.

   Tuman, a nine-year veteran who was originally selected by the Steelers in the fifth round (135^th overall) of the 1999 NFL Draft, played in six games in 2007 before being placed on the Reserve/Injured list with a back injury. During his career with the Steelers, Tuman played in 121 games and started 56. He caught 43 passes for 500 yards (11.6 avg.) and seven touchdowns during his career, including one pass for nine yards and a touchdown in 2007.

   Kriewaldt, a nine-year veteran, joined the Steelers as an unrestricted free agent in 2003. He was twice selected special teams co-captain for the Steelers (2004 and ’07) after playing his first four seasons (1999-’02) with the Detroit Lions. Kriewaldt played in 74 games with the Steelers, starting two and recording 23 tackles (16 solo) on defense. He recorded 77 special teams tackles during his five seasons with Pittsburgh.

   The Steelers acquired Rossum Sept. 1, 2007 from the Atlanta Falcons for a conditional 2008 draft pick (7^th round). A 10-year veteran, Rossum led the Steelers with 38 kickoff returns for 885 yards (23.3 avg.) and one touchdown, a 98-yard return against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 3. He returned 36 punts for 232 yards (6.4 avg.).

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