The Steelers today told quarterback Tommy Maddox that they had released him, and that came as no surprise to the veteran former starter.

They also told veteran cornerback Willie Williams that he was released. Williams, who started half of the 2004 season for them but was replaced by Ike Taylor at the start of 2005, was to earn $1,235,000 in 2006.

Maddox had dropped to No. 3 on the depth chart behind Charlie Batch at mid-season. He was scheduled to make $1 million in salary and a bonus next season.

Maddox said two weeks ago that he expected to be released and that "if it's time to move on, it's time to move on. I'm excited about the future."

Maddox, 34, signed with the Steelers in the summer of 2001 after he was named MVP of the now-defunct XFL. He had not played football for three full years before he played in the Arena League in 2000.

He replaced Kordell Stewart as the starting quarterback for the fourth game of the 2002 season and remained their starter until an elbow injury in the second game of the 2004 season opened the door for Ben Roethlisberger to replace him.

"I would just like to get somewhere where I can compete, whatever position that is,'' Maddox said.

Batch is about to become an unrestricted free agent and the Steelers will try to re-sign him to back up Roethlisberger.

More details in tomorrow's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.