The Steelers released Foote, clearing room under the salary cap and giving the veteran linebacker the chance to seek the bigger role that he covets somewhere else.

Foote had started 90 consecutive games at inside linebacker for the Steelers , but he usually came off the field in passing situations. He said he had requested that the Steelers trade or release him in February.

Foote did not attend minicamp last weekend after he and coach Mike Tomlin agreed that it was best if he did not take part in practices.

"Larry has been a big part of our success, but unfortunately the realities of the salary cap made this decision inevitable," Steelers director of Football operations Kevin Colbert said in a statement. "We wish Larry and his family nothing but the best as he moves forward with his career."

The Steelers freed up salary cap space by releasing Foote, who was going into the final year of a contract that would have paid him $2.885 million this season.

They have been busy during the offseason re-signing players, and there is still plenty of work to be done on that front.

Almost 10 starters are going into the final year of their contract, and the Steelers may have tough decisions to make.

None of those players has spoken out about not getting a new deal yet. There are no indications the business aspect of the game will become a problem for the Steelers .

"You're not going to hear about it from me," said starting free safety Ryan Clark, who is going into the final year of his contract. "It's going to be Football, and the rest will take care of itself. It is a business, and they have to do what's best for the Steelers , and in the end you have to do what's best for your family."

Foote, who had been a starter at inside linebacker since 2004, was not seeking a contract extension from the Steelers . He instead wanted to go to a team for which he can be an every-down player.

Foote has been linked to the Detroit Lions because he has said he would like to return to his hometown. Arizona is another possible destination as the Cardinals are making the transition from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defense and are coached by former Steelers offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt.

During his seven-year career with the Steelers , the colorful and productive Foote recorded 513 tackles and 14 1/2 sacks. He also had three interceptions and led the Steelers in tackles in 2005.

"Good things have to come to an end," Foote said last week. "I think it's a win-win for everybody."

The emergence of Lawrence Timmons, who had 71 tackles and five sacks last season as a reserve, made Foote expendable. Timmons, the Steelers' first-round draft pick in 2007, is expected to take over for Foote and play alongside James Farrior next season.

Farrior said he and Foote "worked so well together" and that the latter will be missed.

"We know the philosophy, we know the tradition here, and it definitely starts with (stopping) the run," Farrior said. "Foote was definitely a key part of that."