Pittsburgh
Steelers

News: McFadden was released by the Steelers on Wednesday, the Pittsurgh Post-Gazette reports.
Impact: This move was to be expected after Pittsburgh's disappointing playoff loss to Denver. McFadden was injured in the season opener and could not regain his starting job from William Gay.

News: Battle was released by the Steelers on Wednesday, the Pittsurgh Post-Gazette reports.
Impact: This move hardly comes as a surprise, as Battle has not caught a pass in an NFL game since 2009. Battle was unable to earn a role beyond special teams in Pittsburgh.

News: Saunders will be suspended for the first four games next season, Aaron Wilson of the Carroll County Times reports.
Impact: The violation that Saunders committed was not disclosed. The rookie tight end had a reputation in college for off-field issues, so this may not come as a big surprise to some. Saunders mostly contributed on special teams in his rookie season and caught just four passes, including one for a touchdown.

News: Ward recently underwent surgery to remove bone fragments from his right ankle, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
Impact: The surgery was minor in nature, and Ward expects to resume working out Monday. The most prolific Steelers receiver of all time, Ward began this season as a starter, catching 20 passes in his first five games, but finished with 46, the lowest total since his rookie season in 1998. "I'm not going to get into whatever happened last season," Ward said of his decreased playing time, which some speculate was the decision of departed OC Bruce Arians, and maintains he will be ready for OTAs. Ward is due a roster bonus next month in addition to a $4 million contract. A significant pay cut seems likely if Ward is to return, and the Steelers have to make a decision by March 1 due to a clause in Ward's contract.