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

Vance McDonald

Going from the least likely to be cut to the most likely, Vance McDonald will require a minor miracle in order to return to the Steelers at his current number. The former 49er has a cap hit right under 8 million and given the Steelers can save over 5 million of that by cutting him makes it hard to imagine him returning on his current deal. Add in the fact that he has only caught nine passes for 61 yards, and it seems like a guarantee he is cut shortly after the season ends.

While he has been a nonfactor as a receiver, McDonald has worked on his run blocking ability and become an asset there. Considering the Steelers require their tight ends to block, McDonald would still present value for the team. The issue is, blocking tight ends aren’t worth the money he is making, so keeping him on his deal would be far too rich for a player that is expected to be more of a blocker than a true weapon.

While him being cut seems like a certainty, McDonald could still work his way back onto the team. If after being released he doesn’t get any major offers, the Steelers would likely welcome him back on a cheap deal. Granted, he would have to be willing to play for close to the minimum, but it would give him another season of pay and not require him to move. Even if that is the case though, it will all start with the Steelers releasing him after this season.