The Pittsburgh Steelers hold a 3-1 record at the bye week, and that is nice on paper. The issue is that the team has continued to show some weaknesses across its roster, which has brought several players into question. Those who are underperforming need to turn things around after the week off, or things could get ugly.
Those who struggle the rest of the way could get cut after the campaign.
Becoming a cap casualty isn't uncommon in the NFL, and Pittsburgh has seen many in the past. They are currently scheduled to have around $37.17 million in spending cash next offseason, but that number could inflate. If certain Steelers players fail to turn their performance around for the rest of the season, they could be released to free up funds for other needs.
Pittsburgh Steelers could suffer several cap casualties after the season if issues persist
Pat Freiermuth, TE
Fans love Pat Freiermuth, but his miniature role on offense during the first four games is concerning. It's not all his fault, as the play calls don't seem to be favoring the veteran tight end. Freiermuth shouldn't be too concerned about his job security at the bye week, but if this trend continues, he should be worried.
He makes a lot of money for the position he plays, so he needs to back that up with solid production.
If the Steelers pull the plug and cut their star tight end, they could save $4.9 million with a pre-June 1 designation. They could realize greater savings by designating Freiermuth’s release as a post-June 1 cut, which would free up $9.1 million in cap space. Pittsburgh has a loaded group at the position, and it makes little sense to keep an expensive player if you don't use him enough.
Alex Highsmith, EDGE
If General Manager Omar Khan wants to improve his roster this season via trade, either moving Freiermuth or Alex Highsmith makes a ton of sense. They would be trading from positions of strength to try and bolster areas of weakness. Highsmith has been out for several weeks with an injury, which has started to become a concerning trend for the veteran pass rusher.
He makes a ton of money, and there are two solid depth options behind him with Nick Herbig and Jack Sawyer.
The Steelers can't pay three edge rushers, and it could force Highsmith out. He would save them $8.89 million by cutting him this offseason, and that number jumps up to $14.5 million if they wait until after June 1. With Herbig's performance in his absence, it makes little sense to hold onto him.
READ MORE: It only took one injury to obliterate Steelers' trade chances
Jonnu Smith, TE
It appeared obvious that the Steelers would use their bounty of riches at the tight end position to make up for the lack of receiver depth. That hasn't happened early in the season, and both Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith are sitting around waiting for their numbers to get called. Neither is a terrific blocker, so if they aren't seeing passes go their way, their roles on offense are small.
He missed significant time during the preseason due to a nagging injury, which could explain his slow start. Neither he nor Freiermuth has enjoyed many passes going in their direction, but maybe that will change after the bye week. Pittsburgh would save $7 million in cap space by cutting Smith this offseason, which could be used towards a solid upgrade at receiver.
Malik Harrison, LB
With the early-season struggles at the inside linebacker position, it's evident that the Steelers made a mistake by letting Elandon Roberts leave in free agency. They signed Malik Harrison to be their run defender, but he has missed a lot of time through the early goings of the campaign. If he doesn't stay healthy and find a way to become an elite run defender, he is as good as gone.
Harrison is someone Pittsburgh could use to help their run defense for the remainder of the season.
He is a downhill thumper, but his injury has given Cole Holcomb a role on defense. The Steelers would add $4.75 million in cap space by letting the veteran linebacker go this offseason. He could turn things around, but time is running out to prove himself with each passing week he misses due to injury.