4 Steelers most likely to have their contracts restructured this spring

Larry Ogunjobi, DL

Another Steelers defensive lineman who could have his contract restructured this spring is veteran Larry Ogunjobi. After a productive year with the Bengals in 2021, Ogunjobi signed a one-year $8 million deal with the Steelers during the 2022 offseason. He initially had a big deal in place with the Bears, but Chicago backed out due to medical concerns

Following an adequate season, the Steelers threw a lofty extension at Ogunjobi during the 2023 offseason after the defensive line market in free agency dried up quickly. This was one of the more questionable moves from GM Omar Khan early in his tenure, and now his contract isn't very appealing.

After playing the first season of his three-year, $28.75 million deal, Ojunjobi is now set to have a cap number of nearly $13.3 million for the 2024 season. This is simply too large for an average NFL starter on the defensive line. The problem is -- because of his recent extension and guaranteed money -- the Steelers would take a $7 million dead cap hit if they cut him with a savings of just $6.2 million.

This would still be a good bit of money to work with, but after displacement cost, they aren't netting anything here and might not be able to afford a player even as good as Larry 'O'. On e interesting choice would be to make Ogunjobi a post-June 1st cut. This would save the team $9.75 million with just a $3.5 million dead money hit. However, the front office might not be able to afford to wait this long.

For this reason, the Steelers could restructure Larry Ogunjobi's contract and push more money into the 2025 season. By doing this, it would lower his cap hit for 2024. If this were to happen, Ogunjobi would be an easy cut candidate during the 2025 offseason.