PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — To make room under the salary cap, the Steelers released veteran offensive lineman Max Starks and wide receiver Antwaan Randle El.

In an exclusive interview with KDKA’s Bob Pompeani, Starks is talking about his reaction to the decision.

“It came as a little bit of surprise, but once again, it’s a business above all else and the CBA talks the way that they were, you know, things had to be done, so we had to lower the salary cap, raise the floor for minimum spending and we knew that it would affect some teams and it just so happened that we happened to be one of those teams here in Pittsburgh.”

There is a chance Starks could be re-signed at some point during training camp.

“It’s something that I would definitely be open to,” he said. “I’ve spent so much of my career here and this is my home. And I love Pittsburgh – it’s a great city and I’d be open to any opportunity to that is out there.

“Once again, you have to see what availability there is and how it goes,” he added.

Starks says right now, he’s open to talking to other teams.

“Right now it’s an open door because it is free agency and I have to think about the welfare of myself and my family first and foremost,” Starks said. “But, it’s something I’d give Pittsburgh the opportunity if it arose and I’d like to see how it goes from there.”

Starks said he has not had contact with the Steelers since he was released.

“I’m not really worried about it,” he said. “This process is what it is – it’s a business before anything else. But I appreciate the opportunity that they gave me thus far and I had seven great years here and like you said, two Super Bowl rings, and it’s been a great ride and I just hope to continue my career playing in the NFL.”

He went on to thank his fans in Steeler nation for all of their support.

“I’ll always bleed Black and Gold,” he said.

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