I can’t imagine there are many that are surprised by this, but Cortez Allen is no longer a Pittsburgh Steeler. The Steelers released the 27 year old corner back this afternoon.

https://twitter.com/EdBouchette/status/721068664552886273

The team reportedly had asked Allen to renegotiate his contract last month (play for less). According to Mark Kaboly of the Tribune, the team is not using the post June 1st designation for Allen, so he will come off the books now, saving the team $1.7 Mil in 2016 salary cap space. Doing so also comes with a hit of $4.05 Mil in dead money.

http://gty.im/457904336

Drafted in the 4th round of the 2011 draft, Allen signed a 4 year extension worth $24.6 Mil in 2014. Since the extension, he appeared in 12 games, made 47 tackles and intercepted the football twice.

Some reporters are speculating that the Steelers had questions about Allen’s health, and must have gotten their answers since Phase I of offseason workouts begins on Monday. Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post says that Allen simply refused to take a pay cut.