5 Steelers veteran who could be on the chopping block after the 2023 NFL Draft

Steelers could cut CB Ahkello Witherspoon

The writing on the wall could not be any clearer for Ahkello Witherspoon. The Steelers spent two draft picks on cornerbacks, and tall/lanky ones at that. Meanwhile, Witherspoon is coming off an exceptionally disappointing 2022 season and entering the final year of his contract.

After finishing the 2021 season on an absolute tear, Pittsburgh signed him to a 2-year, $8 million deal with nearly $3 million guaranteed. But he played very poorly in only four games before being put on injured reserve halfway through 2022.

The Steelers depth chart at cornerback is pretty set. They signed Patrick Peterson in free agency this offseason, Levi Wallace performed well last year, and Joey Porter Jr. was the first pick of the second round in the 2023 NFL Draft. They also drafted Cory Trice Jr. in the seventh round and signed Chandon Sullivan to compete in the slot. Witherspoon would most likely be fighting for snaps with James Pierre.

Unfortunately for Witherspoon, the Steelers could save some serious money by releasing him. If designated as a post-June 1st release, Pittsburgh could save $4 million against the cap with less than $1.5 million in dead cap by cutting him. Given his struggles and the depth at the position, it's hard to imagine Pittsburgh passing that up.