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Steelers Release Najeh Davenport

POSTED: 1:48 pm EDT June 28, 2008

UPDATED: 9:53 am EDT June 30, 2008

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers cut running back Najeh Davenport from the team on Saturday.

Davenport played for the Steelers for two seasons, mostly as a backup to Willie Parker.

The Steelers drafted running back Rashard Mendenhall with the first pick in the draft this year.

They also picked up free-agent Mewelde Moore in the off-season.

Davenport rushed for career-best 499 yards with a 4.7 yard-per-carry average last season.

Davenport, who will still be paid $1 million for the 2008 season, was in the final year of his contract with the Steelers.

He rushed for 720 yards in two seasons with the Steelers.

Davenport rushed for six touchdowns and caught three more TDs.