The Steelers on Thursday released offensive tackle Mike Adams with a Failed Physical designation. The team wanted to make it work with Adams, a former second-round pick and part-time starter in 2014. But his chronic back issues that forced him to miss all of 2015, plus the Steelers' offseason investments in veteran tackle Ryan Harris and fourth-round pick Jerald Hawkins, made Adams expendable.
The Steelers have at least two capable tackles behind starters. The roster doesn't need three backup tackles. This became a numbers game, even though the Steelers coaches, including Mike Tomlin and offensive line coach Mike Munchak, liked Adams.