The Pittsburgh Steelers could gain additional flexibility if they choose to prioritize creating more cap space this offseason. There is a clear path for them to significantly increase their spending power. According to Over the Cap's website, Pittsburgh currently holds $44.93 million in cap space. With different contract maneuvers and cap casualties, that number could rise up to $95.52 million to spend.
It could become complicated depending on which players they believe are worth retaining, while others struggle to justify their contracts. Those who fail to make the cut will become cap casualties, thus opening up extra spending change. Things could get interesting this offseason with Mike McCarthy taking over as head coach. That could trigger plenty of changes across the roster.
With 27 pending free agents this offseason, Pittsburgh will have some tough decisions to make.
That accounts for slightly more than half of the roster requiring new contracts between now and free agency. 22 of those free agents are unrestricted and will be able to negotiate with other teams once free agency begins. The Steelers have a solid amount of cap space to work with, but it may not be sufficient.
Pittsburgh Steelers could save close to $90 million in cap space to spend this offseason with these cuts
Jalen Ramsey, S
Do not be surprised if Jalen Ramsey’s time in Pittsburgh is over. He did a decent job transitioning from cornerback to safety, but he is not worth his contract. Unless he is willing to renegotiate his contract to a cheaper rate, he is a clear cap casualty. Ramsey continues to show his age, and it doesn't make sense for the Steelers to bring him back. He would save $19.5 million in cap space.
Jonnu Smith, TE
He is the obvious cap casualty for the team this offseason, as Jonnu Smith failed to find a role this season.
Arthur Smith banged the table to land his former tight end, but things didn't work out. Expect Jonnu to possibly find a nice landing spot as a free agent, but it won't be in Pittsburgh. The decision to add Smith this past offseason proved unsuccessful, and moving on would free up $7 million that could be allocated elsewhere.
Patrick Queen, LB
After he signed a massive contract with the Steelers in free agency two years ago, Patrick Queen hasn't lived up to the billing. Many keep applying excuses, but he hasn't been consistent enough. Queen has shown bursts of quality play during a season, but not at a sustained rate. He would save Pittsburgh $13.3 million with his release, which seems like an easy decision to make.
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Malik Harrison, LB
Another linebacker could become one of the cap casualties for the Steelers this year.
Malik Harrison is a backup player who hasn't lived up to his billing. He has primarily been used on special teams, with occasional snaps as a role player on defense. Harrison hasn't worked out in Pittsburgh and would save the team $4.75 million in cap space. That's significant savings for a depth player.
Mason Rudolph, QB
With the uncertain future around the quarterback position, many might think Mason Rudolph is safe, but don't be certain. Mike McCarthy could decide to rebuild the quarterback room this offseason, which could make Rudolph a cap casualty. He would save the Steelers $3 million, which is a good chunk. Rudolph has been a cult favorite with the franchise, but it might be time to finally move on.
Brandin Echols, CB
A potential surprise among the Steelers cap casualties this offseason could be Brandin Echols.
He was signed last year to provide depth at cornerback, but he was thrust into a starting role, in which he performed admirably. Cutting him would save the team $3 million in cap space, which they could apply elsewhere. Echols would be a difficult cut, given his strong performance as a starter at a low cost.