Steelers release once-promising third-round pick

This is the latest in a series of moves made by the organization over the last week or so. Most notably, the team traded for veteran safety Kyle Dugger, who made four tackles in the team's win over the Indianapolis Colts last Sunday afternoon. 

The team also made an intriguing move by signing two-time Super Bowl champion wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling to the practice squad. 

Valdes-Scantling could soon be elevated to the 53-man roster. The release of Leal means that Pittsburgh is now down to 52 men on the active roster. This could mean that the team might be making space for another veteran, like cornerback Asante Samuel Jr.

Steelers' Omar Khan continues to make moves during Pittsburgh's "all-in" season

While the release of Leal means that the Steelers are down a player, general manager Omar Khan is continuing to keep an eye on the state of the roster. While he didn't necessarily make the big move to trade for a wide receiver at the trade deadline, he is not staying stagnant as a GM. These tiny tweaks to the roster are opening up opportunities for significant additions to be made. Adding Valdes-Scantling to the roster could give four-time MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers one of his old running mates back. Or, if the team were to sign Samuel, they would get another experienced cornerback out on the boundary or in the slot.

At an overall record of 5-3 and sitting in first place in the AFC North, every move matters. Especially when you take into account the Baltimore Ravens starting to catch fire. So while the loss of Leal might be notable, Khan, head coach Mike Tomlin and the rest of the Steelers always tend to have something up their sleeve. All fans in the Steel City can now do is wait to see what their front office and coaching staff will decide to do next.