These are the Steelers that need a stronger second half to 2020 to avoid being cut next year
The Steelers are off to an unprecedented start this year, as they have achieved the best record that the team has ever had. That is a good thing, as it makes the odds of a Super Bowl run for the team far more likely. Considering the number of players set to be free agents next year and the uncertainty of the NFL cap number, the team has the best chance of winning the big game this year, as the roster turnover, next year will be a tough pill to swallow.
While the team as a whole has performed well, there are still quite a few veterans who are making a nice chunk of money that should be concerned about their job next year. No matter what the cap number is, the Steelers will be close to it, if not over it, and with key in-house free agents, normal free agents, and a draft class to account for, the team will need to find ways to clear space. While there will certainly be restructuring and extensions, there will also be quite a few cuts.
With the season now halfway through, these are the players that need to play better in order to ensure their spot on the team next year. While some of these players aren’t having bad seasons, their cap number may still not be worth the production the Steelers are getting out of them. With all of that said, here are the five Steelers that need a strong second half of the season to avoid getting cut in 2021.
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.
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.
Vince Williams
Vince Williams has been playing some impressive football this season, and one could easily argue that he is the best two-down linebacker in the league. His ability to blow up running plays beat blockers through gaps, and get after the quarterback is second to none in the league. That said, he isn’t a complete player, as his athleticism and coverage ability makes it hard to see him on the field on every play. Despite those limitations, Williams is on pace for either his best or second-best season as a pro.
The problem isn’t his play, it’s his cap number, as Williams is set to count for just over 7 million against the cap in 2021. If the Steelers release him, they could save 3 million in cap space. While that may not seem like a lot, the team will need all of the help that they can get in 2021. That money could be used to get cap compliant or resign one of the pending free agents. If he continues his play though, it may be hard for the Steelers to cut him.
Williams will need a strong second half of the season to ensure he still has a spot on this roster next year. If he continues to play at a high level, he may be in line for another extension to lower his hit this year. If his play levels out or even dips, it will be hard to justify keeping him around. As of now, his needle is likely favoring safe, but if he lets up and his play slips, he will more than likely be looking for a new team in 2021.
Eric Ebron
Eric Ebron on the Steelers has been an interesting fit so far. His expectations were sky high at the beginning of the season, and then they tanked early on due to his small role with the team. In recent weeks, he has built a rapport with Ben Roethlisberger though, and while his numbers aren’t huge, they certainly haven’t been bad. So far, he has a stat line of 29/285/3, less than what was expected early in the season but an ok number for a security blanket.
That said, Ebron will count for a hefty 8.5 million against the cap in 2021, and the team could save 6 million of that by releasing him. While cutting both of their tight ends would certainly be a risk, it may be a move the Steelers are forced into due to their cap restraints. While Ebron hasn’t been horrible, he isn’t worth that cap number as of now. If he could make a few bigger plays, his roster spot would be far more secure, but considering he hasn’t done that yet, don’t be surprised if he is one and done with the Steelers.
As of now, Ebron is probably a coin flip in terms of making the roster or getting cut. More than likely, it will depend on the NFL’s salary cap number in 2021, as if it is at the lower end he will likely be cut or if it is on the higher end he is likely safe. While he could be eligible for an extension, he hasn’t done enough to warrant a long-term deal yet. Ebron will be hoping for a decent cap number across the NFL next year or else he may be out of a job with the Steelers.
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.