Jeff Reed

Jeff Reed, In a season where the Steelers have been losing so many field goals in nine games as they had in the past three years the club has released the veteran kicker Jeff Reed.

Reed, who began the season as one of the 10 most accurate kickers in NFL history, cemented his fate on Sunday night by shanking a field goal from 26 yards against the Patriots.

It was Steelers kicker from the middle of the 2002 season, but will be replaced by former kicker for the Redskins and Cowboys Shaun Suisham.

He was drafted by the Steelers on Tuesday at Heinz Field. He missed seven of 22 attempts this season, including his four attempts from 40 – and 49-yard lines. He lost only eight combined in 62 attempts in 2008 and 2009 seasons.

Shaun Suisham

Shaun Suisham, On the night of Sunday, the Steelers kicker Jeff Reed said he expects to retire as a member of the Steelers.

If so, you better leave now.

Jay Glazer of FOX reports that the Steelers have cut Reed and signed Shaun Suisham. For the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, kicker Suisham was only brought to Pittsburgh for a test Tuesday Gong Show. Worked out for coach Mike Tomlin and director of football operations Kevin Colbert at Heinz Field on Tuesday.

Suisham made 18 of 21 shots from the field of the Redskins in 2009 but was cut after missing a short field goal in overtime of a potential upset on the Saints. Suisham ended the season with the Cowboys, so two of three field goals in two regular season games and missing two of three in a playoff loss to the Vikings, including a 48-yard attempt that would have given the Cowboys a 3-0 lead.

As the team’s franchise player in 2010, Reed received a salary of 2.814 million guaranteed. If it is claimed on waivers, Reed’s new team will have to pay for it and 1.15 million over the balance of the season. If not claimed, Reed will pocket the balance of his salary for the Steelers – and he will be able to receive payment for his next team.

The Bengals currently do not have a kicker on the roster. But we can not imagine the Bengals pay no stimulation and 1.15 million for seven games.