1) In 2014 LeGarrette Blount was signed to the Steelers to mentor newly drafted RB LeVeon Bell. Just before the season started the 2 were pulled over and arrested for driving while stoned. They got suspended. Later in the year Blount literally walked off the field in the middle of a game claiming he was angry he wasn't getting enough carries. Naturally the Steelers cut him. Within 24 hours he was smiling as he had somehow negotiated and signed a contract with the Patriots.

2) In 2017 James Harrison was released by the Steelers towards the end of the season after extremely unusual behavior including skipping team meetings and ignoring coach's directions. 3 days after they released him Harrison signed with the Patriots.

3) Heading into the last game of the end of the 2018 season AB decides to skip the last game of the year, blows up the team and demands a trade. He more or less makes it known that there are very few teams he will consider joining. When the Steelers work a deal with the Bills AB blows it up. The team works a trade with the Raiders instead (rejecting a deal from a certain Boston-based organization).

4) Now throughout preseason it has been really clear to anyone paying attention that AB is trying to get released. Why would a guy guaranteed $30M want to get cut?