The Pittsburgh Steelers have released tight end Ladarius Green under the failed physical designation.
The move comes as a surprise as Green was just one year into the four-year, $20m contract he signed last off-season in free agency.
Green has earned $6m from the deal and cutting him costs the Steelers $3.5m in cap space, according to OverTheCap.com.
Injuries limited Green to just six games (two starts) in 2016 after he was signed as a replacement for the retired Heath Miller.
The 26-year-old ended the season with just 18 receptions for 304 yards and a touchdown. His best game with the Steelers was against the Giants in Week 13, when he made six receptions for 110 yards and his only touchdown.
Prior to signing for Pittsburgh, Green spent four seasons in San Diego with the Chargers where he caught 77 passes for 1,087 yards and seven touchdowns.
Green's release leaves the Steelers with Jesse James, Xavier Grimble, and David Jonson at the tight end position heading into 2017.
Undrafted free agents Scott Orndoff and Phazahn Odom are also on the team's 90-man roster.
The Steelers also announced the signing of running back Terrell Watson.
