The Pittsburgh Steelers made a move Tuesday afternoon, cutting veteran kicker Jeff Reed and replacing him with free agent kicker Shaun Suisham. Sports writer Alan Robinson of the Associated Press first broke the story.
Cut by the Cleveland Browns over the summer, Suisham (left, photo courtesy of Sportsnet.ca) adds the Steelers to the list of teams he has kicked for in his NFL career. He previously played for the Washington Redskins and Dallas Cowboys.
Reed seemed to be losing accuracy this season, missing seven of 22 field goal attempts in nine games with the Steelers. He didn't make a field goal of 40 yards or more this season. He missed two crucial field goals at home against the Baltimore Ravens on Oct. 3, where the Steelers ended up losing 17-14.
Reed's missed field goal last Sunday night against the New England Patriots that killed any potential momentum must have been the final straw for the Steelers and their mercurial kicker. Reed can't take all the blame for that one, though- the Steelers lost that game to the Patriots at home by a score of 39-26.
Suisham brings an 82.3% career success rate to Pittsburgh, where the wind is always cold and violent and requires kickers to use a little extra preparation and precision when delivering the boom.
Suisham most recently hit 85.7% of his field goals in 2009 as a member of the Washington Redskins. Only 28, it almost seems strange he has trouble finding work these days.
Suisham can enjoy having a new job for one of the NFL's top contending teams. Reed, meanwhile, can retreat into his ever-dubious lifestyle of popped collars, shaved chests, spiked hair, and crazy parties.
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