Steelers cut former Tar Heel, pick up former Redskin

The Pittsburgh Steelers have cut former UNC kicker Jeff Reed after eight seasons over which he became the 12th most accurate field goal kicker in NFL history. They have replaced him with former Washington Redskins' kicker Shaun Suisham.

Reed missed a 26-yarder against the Patriots Sunday. He blamed a slippery turf at Heinz Field. In October Reed missed a 49 yarder and a 45 yarder in a 17-14 loss to Baltimore. He has missed seven of 22 attempts overall this year.

"Some big kicks, I've missed some important kicks," Reed said following the Steelers' 39-26 loss to New England. "It's sports. It's not an excuse, but it's life. You can't sit back and say, man, you've been an 85 percent (kicker) and now you're whatever percentage. I've lost track. It hurts me that I don't help this team get points."

Reed, 31, has two Super Bowl rings with the Steelers. He still holds the UNC record for most consecutive extra points with 66 in 2000 and 2001 and the record for highest percentage of field goals made at 87.5 percent.

Suisham, 28, a Canadian, kicked at Bowling Green and has kicked for both the Cowboys and Redskins.

Reed has had some off-field issues. Last season, he got into an alcohol-induced dispute with Pittsburgh police and performed 40 hours of community service. There was another incident where Reed paid a fine after being accused of property damage and harassment at a convenience store.