It's bittersweet, but changes are finally happening for the Pittsburgh Steelers, after remaining in the purgatory of the middle of the NFL standings since 2017. People who cheer for them are fed up with the mediocre standard that became all too common under Mike Tomlin’s leadership.
There are too many familiar faces on both sides of the ball who have come up short this season compared to their expensive cap hits.
According to overthecap.com, the Steelers are projected to have $38.78 million in cap space in the offseason. That might seem like a good chunk of spending change, but it isn't. They will need to resolve some cap logistics if they want to make significant moves in free agency or through trades. With Tomlin out of the picture, don't be shocked if massive decisions follow suit.
Pittsburgh Steelers could turn notable cap casualties into a lot of cash this offseason
Cam Heyward, DT
Everyone might be up in arms about Cam Heyward making this list, since he is a legendary figure for the Steelers. While his off-the-field charitable work is to be commended, and his stats paint a near Hall of Fame resume, he hasn't won anything of substance since being here. He would save Pittsburgh $14.25 million if he got cut. It would be an ugly breakup, but it might be time.
Heyward will be 37 years old next season, and he will demand a new contract, similar to what he did this past preseason. The Steelers shouldn't hand out contracts solely based on a player's so-called 'legendary' status. Heyward is a terrific leader, but the Steelers haven't won with him, and so it doesn't matter if they lose without him. With Tomlin gone, Heyward might decide to retire or go elsewhere.
It would be a tough day, but it's time to get younger.
Patrick Queen, LB
There have been some great moments with Patrick Queen, but there have also been disastrous ones. He was a big splash for the Steelers in free agency before the 2024 season, but things haven't gone to plan. It’s uncommon for the franchise to pursue a top player during that part of the offseason, but they went against their usual approach. Queen was a big move, but he might be on his way out after this season.
Queen would save the Steelers $13.33 million if he became a cap casualty in 2026. That is a significant amount of savings. With Payton Wilson starting to improve throughout the campaign, it could force Pittsburgh into a tough conversation. Queen is a difficult player to evaluate because of his inconsistencies. When you are paying someone that much, he better be one of your best players.
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Jonnu Smith, TE
Reviewing this list, it's easy to see that the number of defensive players outweighs their offensive counterparts. Jonnu Smith is the only offensive player who stands out like a sore thumb to become a clear cap casualty. He hasn't worked out since joining the Steelers earlier in the year through trade, and it doesn't appear they ever had a plan for the tight end.
With Darnell Washington's role continuing to grow this season, it seems like either Pat Freiermuth or Smith will be traded or cut.
Neither is worth their salary based on their production. Smith makes more sense since he's only been in Pittsburgh this year, whereas Freiermuth has become a leader on the Steelers. Releasing Smith would give the team $7 million in cap space.
Malik Harrison, LB
In retrospect, Pittsburgh should've just re-signed Elandon Roberts this past offseason, but instead, they spent more money on Malik Harrison. The former free-agent pickup was an expensive replacement, and things simply haven't worked out.
Harrison faced injuries early in his tenure with the Steelers, and his reduced defensive role has prompted widespread questions about his overall fit within the team.
When you have an expensive depth player without a clearly defined role, it creates an obvious candidate for a future cut. While things could change quickly if Harrison becomes a premier run-stuffer for the rest of the season, it's unlikely. The Steelers expected Harrison to be a younger, better version of Roberts, but instead they'll have to settle for $4.75 million in cap relief.
Alex Highsmith, EDGE
Perhaps a trade would make more sense than cutting Alex Highsmith this offseason if the Steelers were willing to move on. He has been terrific when healthy this year, but the problem is that he hasn’t been able to stay on the field. The emergence of Nick Herbig as a lightning-fast edge rusher has brought into question whether trading Highsmith when his value is at an all-time high is worth it.
T.J. Watt is slowing down, and could also be shown the door since Tomlin left, but it remains unlikely.
That logic could be thrown out the window if Pittsburgh decides Herbig is the future, which would launch Watt or Highsmith in trade rumors. That could send Highsmith out of the building to help solve an issue at another position. The Steelers would save $8.89 million if they cut or traded Highsmith before June 1, but that number shoots up to $14.5 million after June 1.