How the Steelers can create $75 million in cap space in 2023
By Andrew Falce
Steelers can create even more cap space
While 36.5 million is healthy cap space, there are a lot of ways this team can creatively expand that number. There are a few more names that could be released and the team can always restructure some of their bigger contracts.
Diontae Johnson
It isn’t entirely clear what the future has in store for Diontae Johnson. If he were to be dealt, the team would save roughly 4.7 million dollars in cap space. That isn’t a huge deal, but if both sides want out, that would still be additional savings.
Myles Jack
Myles Jack is a hard one to gauge. His play in 2022 was average at best, and he was eventually replaced by Robert Spillane. That said, this group only has one player under contract right now, so they may feel the need to keep a familiar face. That said, Jack clears 8 million in cap space if released, so keeping the underperforming veteran is a costly choice.
Montravius Adams
The more I’ve thought about it, the more up in the air that it is that the Steelers cut Montravius Adams. Sure, he is getting overpaid, but his contract isn’t egregious, and the team will want a nose tackle on the roster ahead of the draft. If he is released though, he would save an additional 2.5 million in cap space.
T.J. Watt
No, the Steelers aren’t going to cut T.J. Watt, but they could easily clear 12.6 million dollars in cap space by doing a full contract restructure. This kicks the can down the road obviously, but it opens the door for more potential big-name free agents to potentially join this team.
Minkah Fitzpatrick
This is the name I would circle for a potential restructure, as Minkah Fitzpatrick just signed his new deal, and the team can spread his cap hit across more seasons. There is a real chance no one gets restructured this offseason, but if anyone does, Fitzpatrick makes the most sense and it would save 10 million in cap space.
Chris Boswell
Chris Boswell was off to another strong start for the Steelers before an injury seemed to mess up the rest of his season. While a restructuring here doesn’t save a lot, he would clear up an easy 2.1 million dollars in cap space if the team is expecting him to rebound.
Steelers potential cap space: 75.8 million dollars