National Football League

Steelers cut WR Randle El, T Starks

Published Jul. 28, 2011 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

The Pittsburgh Steelers cut versatile wide receiver Antwaan Randle El and tackle Max Starks on Thursday, the start of what could be a significant roster overhaul.

Players arrived for the start of training camp Thursday with the team more than $10 million over the $120.4 million salary cap.

Randle El, a college quarterback at Indiana who became a receiver in the NFL, threw a touchdown pass to Hines Ward to clinch Pittsburgh's win over Seattle in the 2006 Super Bowl. He parlayed his Super Bowl success into a lucrative contract with the Redskins, but struggled in four seasons in Washington before returning to Pittsburgh in 2010.

He failed to make a significant impact, posting career lows in receptions (22) and yards (253) as his playing time diminished following the rise of wide receiver Mike Wallace.

Starks was drafted by the Steelers in the third round (75th overall) in 2004. He started 68 games in his seven seasons in Pittsburgh, including seven in 2010 before being placed on injured reserve with a neck problem. Starks started two Super Bowls for the Steelers but underwent neck surgery last year, leaving his future cloudy.

Starks' departure leaves the Steelers thin — at least for the moment - at offensive tackle. The team is looking to re-sign veteran Willie Colon, who missed the 2010 season due to injury. The Steelers are also looking at Jonathan Scott, who played well when Starks went down.

The Steelers have 36-year-old Flozell Adams on the roster, but his age and $5 million salary could be an issue for a team trying to get under the cap.

Players were trickling into their dorm rooms at St. Vincent College on Thursday in preparation for a conditioning test in the afternoon. The team's first practice is scheduled for Friday and the Steelers open the preseason on Aug. 12 at Washington.