It seems like almost every offseason, there is speculation around the Steeler's possible cap casualties. These are players who have not played to the level of their contracts worth. Pittsburgh would be better off cutting these players due to their cap savings. They might not be in a hole when it comes to the amount of money they have to spend, but they could get more spending change.
Right now, the Steelers are looking at a little under 54 million in cap space for the upcoming offseason. They have some free agents to re-sign, namely Russell Wilson, Donte Jackson, Elandon Roberts, and Najee Harris to name a few. They would eat up plenty of spending money, but Pittsburgh is in a good spot. They could cut some players to open up even more cap space.
Preston Smith, EDGE (13.4M)
There might not be a more obvious choice for the Steelers to become a cap casualty than Preston Smith. They just added him before the trade deadline, but things haven't gone to plan since he joined. He was a nice addition, but Smith is nothing more than a depth piece for Pittsburgh's defense. They can't keep him when they would save over 13 million bucks. He would be better served at a cheaper price.
Minkah Fitzpatrick, S (15.5M post-June 1)
Some are going to hate the idea of cutting Minkah Fitzpatrick, but this is a what have you done for me lately league. Fitzpatrick caught on fire during his first couple of years with the Steelers, but he has not been the same turnover-machine since. He could save Pittsburgh a lot of money with a post-June 1 release designation, or they could cut him immediately after the season and save 8.64 million.
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Cordarrelle Patterson, RB (2.8M)
It seemed like a luxury signing when the Steelers added Cordarrelle Patterson last free agency, so it has made less sense as time progressed. He hasn't done many terrible things since joining Pittsburgh, but he hasn't been able to live up to the kick-returning legend that he was described as. He has provided some juice on offense as a running back and receiver, but the cap savings would help the Steelers more.
Larry Ogunjobi, DT (7M)
Pittsburgh needs help along the defensive line, in fact, they desperately need to get younger. Cam Heyward has been terrific, but he is only getting older. Larry Ogunjobi has always been decent as a starter for the Steelers. He is getting paid a hefty wage and would provide significant cap relief if he were let go. Perhaps drafting a defensive lineman early in the draft is the way to go.
Cole Holcomb, LB (7M)
Everyone is still rooting for Cole Holcomb to make a return back in his career, but time is running thin. He suffered a significant injury last season and has missed most of this year. There is little room for him on the roster, and who knows what kind of player he will be once he gets back. Holcomb would save the Steelers money, and it could provide them an opportunity to re-sign Elandon Roberts.