According to Over the Cap's website, the Steelers only hold $40.46 million in cap space. That is a significant decrease as they had them with nearly 52 million in space a week ago. Things alter course in the NFL, and Pittsburgh doesn't fear change. Most of their fanbase has been begging for something to shift since their beloved Steelers extended their winless playoff streak.
Opening cap space might be the best way for Pittsburgh to create some movement on the roster.
Some candidates will likely become cap casualties this offseason. Russell Wilson or Justin Fields will receive a pay increase from the team before they hit free agency. Since other re-signings and additions via free agency are still on the offseason schedule, the Steelers need more spending money. Expect some change to happen, which will start with some roster trimmings.
Preston Smith, EDGE (+$13.4M)
Despite their fair room of cap space, the Steelers have a clear path to open up more spending money. No one is easier of a cap cut than Preston Smith. He was a quality addition before the trade deadline, but his role wasn't too impactful after joining the club. The veteran edge rusher jumped onto the team as a depth piece who could start on a needed basis.
Smith would save the Steelers the most money this offseason with his release. They would gain an immediate 13.4 million bucks in cash. That is a significant boost to the prize pot in this case. Bringing Smith back should be on the table for both parties. He had a good situation being the fourth guy on the roster, as Pittsburgh wants to keep four quality players at the position moving forward.
Larry Ogunjobi, DT (+$7M)
No other name is more notable in this article than Larry Ogunjobi. The eight-year veteran just completed his third year with the Steelers. During his time in Pittsburgh, he has shown many ups and downs. Inconsistency has always been something that hindered his performance. Aging is a difficult factor to overcome in the NFL, and it seems time for both parties to split.
Ogunjobi is coming off of one of his worst seasons with the Steelers. He has let down many people, and now there is little excuse to keep him. Conjuring in the savings included with his release and gaining seven million bucks becomes lovely. Ogunjobi was a solid stop-gap starter, but the Steelers should save some money and focus on getting younger along the defensive line.
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Cordarrelle Patterson, RB (+$2.8M)
No one should be shocked that not many offensive players are on this list. Then again, the Steelers seem to spend little money into their offense. Many gripes have resulted from the organization's lack of investment in the offense. They want an updated offense that turns into something similar to what the rest of the NFL has become.
Cordarrelle Patterson is the only player on offense with a good chance of getting cut. He caused some headaches as a running back, but he did make some good plays earlier in the season. Many thought he could become a positive influence on special teams, but he provided almost no value. Pittsburgh would be wise to move on and save nearly three million bucks with his release.
Cole Holcomb, LB (+$6M)
Football is a ruthless business. The right thing isn't always the best choice for your team. Cole Holcomb signed with the Steelers in free agency of 2023 and showed promise during his early days with the franchise. Sadly, he suffered a devastating injury and has been out since Week 9 of the 2023 campaign. Holcomb was out for this entire season but did practice towards the end.
Rehabbing that entire time is a grueling process to overcome. Holcomb is a fighter and showed he was a solid starting linebacker when healthy. His massive ailment is proving that he didn't lose a step with his injury. That question mark will force Pittsburgh to make a tough decision. Their safest route is letting Holcomb go and saving six million dollars.
Dean Lowry, DT (+$2.5M)
Getting younger along the defensive trenches is something the Steelers should prioritize over the next handful of years. They have holes to fill this offseason, so they might not attack the youth movement this time. The best-case scenario would be adding young players from top to bottom of the depth chart. Names like Dean Lowry and Montravius Adams could be cap casualties.
Building cap space for free agency and an incoming draft class isn't always easy. Lowry seems more likely since he makes a little more than Adams. Both could go, but they need some experience going into training camp. Pittsburgh should add some younger guys to challenge the veterans, and Lowry fits the old mindset.
After making these cap moves, the Steelers would sit around 72 million in spending cash.