It’s not enough that the Pittsburgh Steelers will pass most of their internal free agents this off season. Pittsburgh may have to dig into the guys under contract and make tough decisions about veterans whose game doesn’t match their cap hit. Here are four guys to consider as the Steelers hit the off season.
Maurkice Pouncey center
(AP Photo / Gary McCullough)
Pouncey has already hinted that he will retire, but regardless, the team could save $ 8 million by 2021 if Pouncey is released. His game has waned, and while he’s Ben Roethlisberger’s security blanket, this is still a business.
Cornerback Steven Nelson
(AP Photo / Emilee Chinn)
You probably thought I was going to put Joe Haden here and it’s a real possibility. But if the Steelers look at it from a financial standpoint alone, the release of Nelson gets $ 8.25 million from the books.
Guard David DeCastro
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Another veteran who saw his game take a dip in 2020 was DeCastro. With the potential to save $ 8.75 million and free up a starting spot for Kevin Dotson, it could make sense for the Steelers.
Quarterback Ben Roethlsiberger
(AP photo / Gene J. Puskar)
We keep the largest and most obvious for last, we have Roethlisberger. Big Ben has said he will do whatever it takes in terms of his salary to play at Pittsburgh this season, but if the two sides can’t come to an agreement, the savings for releasing Roethlisberger is $ 19 million.