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

Steven Nelson

The Steelers other starting corner, Steven Nelson, is also fighting for his roster spot next year, as his play in 2020 has been a sharp regression from last year. Signed to a three-year deal, he looked like a lockdown corner last year. For some reason, he has significantly struggled this year, as he has given up a QBR of 109.6 after only allowing an average QBR of 65.8 last year. His numbers this year aren’t cutting it, and it could lead to him being cut as a result.

Looking at his contract, Nelson will be entering the final year of his deal next year and will account for a cap number of 14.42 million. If he is released, the Steelers could save 8.25 million, a large number especially considering how tight the cap maybe next year. While cutting a starting corner would be tough, it may be a necessary step in keeping some of this roster intact. As well, if his play doesn’t improve, he won’t be worth anything near that number next year.

If the season ended today, Nelson would likely be one of the first names released. Unless he can turn around his disappointing first half and resembles the player, he was last year, he will likely be on a new team next year. As of now, it is likely either he or Haden that gets cut and given the far superior play of Haden so far, Nelson seems like the odd man out in this secondary.

While the 8-0 start has been great for the Steelers, there are quite a few names that need to improve their play, or else they could be cut next year. Keep an eye on the five names above because if they don’t improve their overall play, they will likely be a cap casualty next year.