6 potential contract extensions Steelers should not give

The Steelers could be extending some contracts soon, but here are six veteran players they should avoid committing to long-term. 

After the latest talk between Ben Roethlisberger and Steelers president Art Rooney II, it certainly seems like Big Ben is set to play at least one more season in Pittsburgh in 2021. Knowing this changes everything, and the Steelers were no doubt waiting to see what was going to be happening this offseason before making additional roster moves.

With Ben’s pending return, the likelihood of other Steelers veterans returning to the roster next year also increases, as Kevin Colbert and Mike Tomlin will likely do everything they can to keep some of their core starters around for one last hurrah. Unfortunately, keeping some of these aging veterans will end up costing Pittsburgh down the line. Here are six players the Steelers should avoid committing to long-term:

Joe Haden

Even for his age (31), Joe Haden was still a solid football player for the Steelers in 2020. He snagged a pair of interceptions to go with a dozen pass defenses in 14 games and allowed just a 75.9 passer rating last year. However, even with his respectable performance, Pittsburgh isn’t going to want to hitch themselves to Haden beyond 2021.

Though Haden is on the last year of his contract and Pittsburgh could allow him to play it out, He has a cap number of over $15.5 million for next season, and I can’t see the Steelers allowing that. Haden was a player who had potential to be cut this offseason due to his large cap number, but with Roethlisberger returning, it is possible that he gets an extension.