Zoltan Mesko was not out of a job for long.
The charismatic punter, who was a surprising cut by the Patriots on Sunday, has signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the team announced Monday. Pittsburgh also released incumbent punter Drew Butler, clearing the way for Mesko to start in the Steel City.
Mesko, the first specialist taken in the 2010 NFL draft, had been the Patriots’ starting punter since his rookie season, but he was beaten out for the job this preseason by rookie Ryan Allen. Finances also likely played a role in the decision, as Mesko was slated to make more than double Allen’s salary this season.
Mesko was known as a class act around the Patriots organization, and he expressed his gratitude in a Facebook post after learning of his release.
