CB Steven Nelson asks for, granted release by Pittsburgh Steelers

PITTSBURGH -- Less than an hour after imploring the Pittsburgh Steelers not to hold him "hostage," cornerback Steven Nelson was released by the club.

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The move, which saves $8.25 million in cap space, was an expected one after the team granted Nelson permission to seek a trade last week, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter. Without a trade partner, the team let its onetime starting cornerback walk.

Shortly after his release, Nelson took to Twitter again to thank the team for granting his wish and for his time with the organization.

Nelson was acquired by the Steelers via free agency in 2019, signing a three-year, $25.5 million deal -- the most lucrative free-agent deal in franchise history for the first week of unrestricted free agency -- after a four-year stint in Kansas City.

Nelson started 30 games in two seasons for the Steelers, recording 3 interceptions, 2 fumble recoveries and 95 solo tackles -- including 2 for loss.

With Nelson's departure, the Steelers lose a fifth defensive starter in the offseason as he joins Tyson Alualu, Mike Hilton, Bud Dupree and Vince Williams to leave by either release or free-agency signing.

The Steelers have starting cornerback Joe Haden still under contract, and the team also re-signed cornerback Cam Sutton, making him a prime candidate to take over Nelson's now-vacated job.

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New York Jets WR Corey Davis expects Sam Darnold to be the team's QB this season
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Chris Canty says the Jets fielding phone calls for Sam Darnold proves they are not fully committed to him as their franchise quarterback. (1:28)

11:47 PM WIB
Rich Cimini
ESPN Staff Writer
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FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- The New York Jets are keeping their quarterback plans hush-hush, but newly signed Corey Davis said Tuesday he expects Sam Darnold to return as the starter.

"Obviously, I'm coming with my understanding that Sam is the guy," the wide receiver said in a Zoom call with reporters. "That doesn't scare me away at all. I've seen Sam do great things, and I have all the belief in him. Whatever direction they decide to go, it's on me to make sure that I'm ready."

Darnold's uncertain status is one of the biggest questions of the NFL offseason.

Publicly, the Jets have been noncommittal, saying they're open to listening to trade inquiries. In fact, several teams have called. New York also holds the No. 2 pick in the NFL draft, where it could select Darnold's replacement. BYU's Zach Wilson is thought to be the leading contender.

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Davis, who signed a three-year, $37.5 million contract, said he's eager to play with Darnold, the NFL's lowest-rated passer in 2020.

"He's obviously a great leader," Davis said of the third overall pick in 2018. "I've heard a few things just talking to guys on the team. I'm looking forward to playing with him. He's a competitor. Obviously, we can both learn from each other. He's young, and we're both growing. We can grow together."

The Jets have been so secretive about their strategy that it's unlikely they spelled out a definitive plan to Davis during the recruiting process. It helps them to keep everybody guessing, creating leverage in trade talks.

One scenario under consideration is keeping Darnold and trading the second pick to a quarterback-needy team, scoring extra draft capital. The Jets also own the 23rd and 34th picks, and general manager Joe Douglas could be looking for more picks to fill multiple holes on the roster.

Recent free-agent moves suggest the Darnold market could be drying up, as the Chicago Bears and Washington Football Team -- both thought to be potential suitors -- signed Andy Dalton and Ryan Fitzpatrick, respectively.

Davis made it clear: He expects to be catching balls from Darnold in the fall.

"Yes, that's my understanding," he said. "Correct."

Davis, the No. 5 pick in 2017, had a disappointing run with the Tennessee Titans, but he's coming off his best season -- 65 catches for 984 yards.

He was overshadowed by A.J. Brown, but he believes he's a No. 1 receiver.

"I do consider myself a Wide Receiver 1 ..." he said. "I feel like I can do it all. I feel like I'm a 1,000-yard receiver."

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