4 of the easiest ways that the Steelers can create cap space

Retire or resign Ben Roethlisberger

A huge question for this team this offseason is what to do with Ben Roethlisberger and his monumental cap hit. Scheduled to be over 41 million dollars, the team could save a sizable 19 million by just simply releasing him. Given his decline in play and age, this seems like a clear choice, but it isn’t a move we see often from the Steelers. What seems more likely is that the team tries and get Roethlisberger to retire.

This was seen last year with Ramon Foster. It wasn’t a lock that he called it quits, but the team seemed to hardball him into that being his only option. The team could try a similar tactic with Roethlisberger in order to get some more cap relief. If he decides that he wants to play though, it makes sense to extend Roethlisberger in order to lower his cap hit. There is an inherent risk with that, as his declining body would be locked up for a few more years, which could lead to salary issues later on.

While cutting Roethlisberger is on the table, it would be a shock to see the team explore that route. Instead, it will likely come down to either him retiring or the team signing him to an extension. Neither option is ideal, but the team can’t allow him to play on his current contract given their cap needs. Some sort of relief will be given, but it will be up to what Roethlisberger decides to do before that number is truly known.