7 Pittsburgh Steelers players that won’t be back in 2022

PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 27: JuJu Smith-Schuster #19 celebrates his two point conversion attempt with James Washington #13 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at Heinz Field on September 27, 2020 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 27: JuJu Smith-Schuster #19 celebrates his two point conversion attempt with James Washington #13 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at Heinz Field on September 27, 2020 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /
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Derek Watt #44 of the Pittsburgh Steelers warms up. (Photo by Benjamin Solomon/Getty Images) /

The Steelers might have a lot of cap space this upcoming offseason but it is time for these relationships to end.

Everyone has their eyes on the Steelers for this upcoming offseason as they enter a rebuilding phase. It will be the first time in a while as this team looks for a bunch of answers to fill across their roster. They will have a bunch of money to work with if they so desire to use it.

Pittsburgh is expected to have some decent spending money by the time free agency begins. They can also get that cap space up by letting some players go from the team. Allowing some extra cash flow back onto this payroll might help in the long run as well.

It is not going to be a spending spree like the New England Patriots pulled off in free agency of 2021. The black and gold need to be calculated in their spending and what implications that will bring down the line as the rebuilding process begins.

It is going to be hard for many fans to see these players depart from the Steel City this upcoming offseason. Some have been major centerpieces of teams over the last handful of years while others have been playing forever. This is going to be a new era for this franchise as they look to make another contender sooner rather than later.

Steelers Derek Watt, Fullback

Derek Watt was brought onto this team for his special team’s prowess. He has brought a good element to that phase of football since joining the team. Watt has even become a captain for the club in 2021. That is nothing to scoff at when you look at someone’s importance to this team.

The major issue with this player is the contract that comes with him. Fullbacks are people too but none should be getting paid that handsomely, especially if they’re just a special team contributor. That is too much money to spend on a player like that.

Watt will be entering his final year in his current contract with the Steelers, so maybe an extension to lessen the cap hit could occur. He will need to take a discount in a future deal to stay with this team. He is good at what he does but not at that current price.