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Lance Moore was done with Steelers after being benched in playoffs

By Nathaniel Reeves

Dec 14, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Lance Moore (16) can
Dec 14, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Lance Moore (16) can /
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The current Detroit Lions wide receiver was not too happy with the Pittsburgh Steelers during the AFC Wild Card game.

Wide receiver Lance Moore didn’t officially leave the Pittsburgh Steelers until agreeing to a one-year deal with the Detroit Lions on May 12. But he had his mind made up long before then.

Moore, who asked Pittsburgh for his release with one year left on his contract early in the offseason, told Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press that he was done with the Steelers after being listed as inactive for the AFC Wild Card game against the Baltimore Ravens.

"“I knew the day after the playoff loss that we had, I knew that I didn’t want to be there anymore. They made me inactive. And I knew at that point that the writing is on the wall. I could see what their future plans were for me; it was the first time in my career that I was a healthy inactive.”"

It’s understandable why Moore would be feeling some frustration at that point. After a number of successful seasons with the New Orleans Saints, Moore struggled through injuries in 2014 and was limited to 14 catches for 198 yards before being made a healthy scratch during the biggest game of the year.

At the same time, Pittsburgh couldn’t really justify starting anyone over Moore. With a wide receiver core that includes Antonio Brown, Markus Wheaton, Martavis Bryant and rookie Sammie Coates, the Steelers don’t exactly have a need at the position moving forward.

An early release was probably the best option for both sides. Moore, who had a 1000-yard season just three years ago, has a good chance to revive his career in Detroit.

The Lions’ depth chart will provide a much better opportunity for playing time than Pittsburgh. Moore will have at least a chance to beat out Ryan Broyles and Jeremy Ross for the slot receiver job.

A No. 3 receiver in Detroit is a nice role to have with Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate on the field. Moore will also be reunited with offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi, who was an assistant in New Orleans during the time Moore was there and runs a similar offense.

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