The Steelers have many different players heading for free agency. Here are the players most likely leaving and the ones that will likely re-sign.
The Pittsburgh Steelers currently have a major cap problem as they exceed what the league allows. Lucky for them, they can get under that number with restructuring other contracts, but re-signing their own will be an issue.
It will be interesting to see who the team prioritizes to re-sign when it comes to their upcoming group of free agents. There have already been rumors swirling as to who the Steelers would like to bring back. Some of the other free agents have not been rumored as much because the team cannot sign them with the amount of money they’ll command and that has left them off the rumor board. Tough decisions need to be made in the NFL and the real options of replacing those beloved players will be looked at.
Fan-favorites could be playing in different colors next season as they cash in for their hard work and dedication to their profession. These players deserve good contracts for all the work they put in on and off the field to be ready for game day. Each player holds their values when it comes time for their next contract.
Some players focus more on fit and location while others want to cash in and get as much of a financial reward for their hard work as possible. Both are understandable and each person deserves to choose which path they want to go on. The black and gold have to choose their priorities and that will see some go and some others stay.
Players likely gone:
Bud Dupree, EDGE
Dupree is coming off another great season that was unfortunately ended due to an ACL injury. He finished his franchise tag year and has yet again proved why he is one of the best in the business. He will command too much on the open market for the Steelers to bring him back. The only way he returns is if his market is a lot smaller than most expect and he re-signs on a cheap one-year contract.
Alejandro Villanueva, OT
Villanueva has been nothing but an amazing player and a great story for this team. He has been an amazing teammate and an underrated left tackle in the NFL. His command on the open market is going to be high – even considering his age – and the black and gold cannot afford that.
Avery Williamson, LB
Williamson turned out to be a nice rental piece for the team after acquiring him at the deadline. He falls victim to a team that has no cap space to bring him back. He wasn’t good enough for the Steelers to go out of their way to bring him back.
JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR
This is the one on this list where it could change. JuJu Smith-Schuster wants to return to the team but he will have to show what he wants: money or fit. He will command a lot of money on the open market and Pittsburgh just doesn’t have enough right now.
James Conner, RB
Conner is a local kid and another great story. Unfortunately, after his breakout year during his first season as a starter, his production has diminished. He played behind some poor offensive lines and has had some injury problems. He will get another shot elsewhere and he deserves nothing but success.
Matt Feiler, OL
Feiler was a failed experiment at left guard. He was a solid right tackle before the move to the other position this past year. Kevin Dotson was an upgrade over the veteran and it is likely he will sign elsewhere.
Players likely to re-sign:
Mike Hilton, CB
Hilton seems to be on the top of the priority list in terms of pending free agents that need to be re-signed. He does so much for this lethal defense and the Steelers know that. He will likely get a ton of interest on the open market but Pittsburgh seems to want to lock him up before free agency even begins.
Robert Spillane, LB
Spillane played very well while he filled in for the team. He surprised many people and should be brought back on a relatively team-friendly deal. Bringing him back provides depth at the position and some starter flexibility behind Devin Bush and Vince Williams.
Tyson Alualu, DL
Alualu is an interesting name to watch as his market is still kind of unknown. He provides amazing depth behind Cam Heyward and Stephon Tuitt. This past season was his best and that could bring teams along to try and lure him away from the Steel City.
Cam Sutton, CB
Many have said the Steelers can either keep Sutton or Hilton. That could be the choice the team has to make and it seems like they favor Hilton more. Bringing Sutton back on a one-year cheaper deal would be a huge get for the black and gold. If they can talk him into staying another season and paying him next year then this would be huge for the future of the secondary.
Zach Banner, OT
This already seems like a “when” not “if”. Tomlin loves the guy and he played well before getting injured against the New York Giants. He will slide back into the starting role at the right tackle position. That will be huge as the team continues to try and sure up the retooling front.
The Steelers have a lot of work ahead of them this offseason but don’t be surprised if turnover happens. Many players that fans know and love will likely be leaving as this team looks to retool for the upcoming year.