Pittsburgh Steelers cut Chris Kemoeatu, will release Aaron Smith

The Pittsburgh Steelers continues to purge their roster.

The Steelers will cut defensive end Aaron Smith and the team cut guard Chris Kemoeatu on Thursday, according to multiple reports.

Kemoeatu, a seven-year veteran, started eight games for the Steelers in 2011, his lowest total since the 2007 season. The news was first reported by the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

Aaron Smith, a productive defensive end in the team’s 3-4 scheme will also be cut, according to NFL.com.

These moves come on the heels of Wednesday's announcement that the club has released 14-year veteran Hines Ward, a wide receiver who helped the Steelers win two Super Bowls.

The four-time Pro Bowler was the MVP of Super Bowl XL.

Pittsburgh has also cut cornerback Bryant McFadden and wide receiver Arnaz Battle this offseason.

More cap causalities could come as well, with the agent for Steelers linebacker James Farrior expressing his concern that his client could be the next player released.

“It’s not a done deal, but the percentages just aren’t there,” Ralph Cindrich, Farrior’s agent, told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

Cindrich said he has not yet talked with the Steelers. Farrior has been the team’s defensive captain for the past eight seasons.

Pittsburgh’s offseason has already been full of maneuvers to get under the cap for when the league year begins on March 13. The team has also been clearing cap space to discourage teams from making an offer sheet to restricted free agent wide receiver Mike Wallace. The team reportedly plans to place a first-round tender on Wallace.

So far this offseason the Steelers have restructured the contracts of offensive tackle Willie Colon, linebackers LaMarr Woodley and Lawrence Timmons, cornerback Ike Taylor and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.