Although it is more of a negative than a positive, becoming a cap casualty is not always the end of the world for NFL players. For various reasons, a team may decide that the salary cap savings are more valuable than keeping the player on the roster. Players around the league who have recently experienced this situation could become potential targets for the Pittsburgh Steelers in free agency as they look for new opportunities to bounce back.
Several notable cap casualties across the league could be worth Pittsburgh’s consideration. These players are now free agents, which means they can sign with a new team at any time, even before free agency begins on March 9. While not every cap casualty will come at a discount, the team may be able to find some valuable bargain options in the process.
Expect the Steelers to stay active in free agency, but they may not chase the biggest names on the market. With twelve picks in the upcoming draft, they should not feel pressured to pursue free agents aggressively. They can remain involved without throwing caution aside. Some of the recent cap casualties could offer smart, cost-effective options for Pittsburgh to explore.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have plenty of cap casualties who could be targets in free agency
Jawaan Taylor, OT
Kansas City signed Jawaan Taylor to a massive four-year, $80 million contract in 2023, but the deal has not aged well.
Taylor has not performed at a high level since joining the Chiefs, which led the team to move on from him as a cap casualty. The Steelers could have an interest in the former big-ticket signing. Taylor could provide reliable insurance at the tackle position. He is primarily a right tackle, but the free agent also has experience playing on the left side.
Bobby Okereke, LB
Although the Giants are not a strong team, they just released one of their best defensive players. Bobby Okereke has developed into a dependable linebacker for them since arriving in New York in 2023. The number of tackles he has accumulated throughout his career is remarkable. Okereke could be a player the Steelers consider as they work to build a reliable group in the middle of their defense.
Tyreek Hill, WR
Adding a top-tier receiver this offseason remains a priority for the Steelers. Some free agents make sense, but if they want a well-known player for reasonable value, Tyreek Hill could be an option. He would be a significant gamble in free agency after suffering a season-ending injury this past year. Hill is still a proven playmaker, but his injury could create concerns for his career moving forward.
Marshon Lattimore, CB
Pittsburgh hired Joe Whitt Jr. as its secondary coach and assistant head coach. Before that, he was in Washington, where Marshon Lattimore arrived as a major trade addition. The former star cornerback has seen his career decline in recent years, which could drive his asking price to an all-time low.
With Joey Porter Jr. established as the top cover option, Lattimore could benefit from facing lesser receivers and potentially revive his career.