5 Steelers who need a better 2nd half of season to not get cut

Joe Haden

Starting off the list is veteran Joe Haden. While I wrote earlier on the potential of him getting cut, he seems like the safest player on this list to see next year with the team. That said, he will be 32 years old next year and have a cap charge of over 15 million. Even if his play continues to be solid, the risk of regression and high cap number could still see Haden be cut.

That said, his play has looked a step or two worse than what he is usually at. Given his age, his athleticism is likely starting to slip. He is still a capable starter though, as he has only given up a QBR of 77.2 when being targeted. The only question with him is his age, as his athleticism will only continue to deteriorate, and it will leave him as a liability against speedier receivers. That risk could lead to the Steelers parting ways with him and pocketing the 7 million in cap he would save by being cut.

Assuming he maintains his play, he would be more likely to sign a short extension than just get cut. Given his age, that number likely wouldn’t be at the top of the market, but it also wouldn’t be cheap. That would likely keep him with the Steelers for the remainder of his career. Don’t be surprised to hear his name as a potential cap casualty though, and if he regresses any more this season it could be his last in Pittsburgh.