Pittsburgh Steelers restructure Stephon Tuitt, David DeCastro contracts to clear cap space

The Pittsburgh Steelers have reconstructed two major contracts to clear up nearly $14 million in cap space.

The Steelers have two major contracts they need to figure out this offseason – signing Le’Veon Bell to a long-term deal and now, extending Ben Roethlisberger’s contract for another season. With the quarterback stating he wants to play another three years, of which he’s under contract for two, Pittsburgh is hoping to handle his extension this offseason.

For Bell, the Steelers have been trying to work out a deal for two years now. The running back is looking to get paid major money, something the Steelers weren’t willing to hand him last offseason. But this year, Bell has threatened to end his career early if he isn’t given what he wants, which puts Pittsburgh is a do-now situation.

Before the team decided which players they’ll use to clear cap space, they started reconstructing major contracts. For starters, they have cleared up $13.26 million in cap room after re-amping David DeCastro and Stephon Tuitt’s deals.

Both players reduced their 2018 pay by $790,000 for the team. With bonuses becoming signing bonuses, the team has made a lot more room for a signing this offseason, now having $9.129 million in cap space, according to OverTheCap.com.

This is a strong start for the team as they try to create as much salary room as possible before the summer. Chances are they’re going to use some bigger contracts as cap casualties after the draft depending on which players they can steal in the first few rounds.

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It’s going to be a busy offseason for Pittsburgh while they try to work out these contracts. Roethlisberger might not see an extension until next year, but for Bell, he needs his money now if he’s going to remain a part of the black and yellow moving forward.