Keanu Neal wouldn't save a pile of money, but his time is over in Pittsburgh
Omar Khan was a busy man last offseason, and it seems like he might be busier this time around. He made plenty of moves to add starting options and key role players. Some of them worked out well, and others just couldn't make things happen. For one reason or another some players just don't fit or can't find ways of making positive contributions to their team each week.
Keanu Neal had a decent season when he was healthy, but nothing spectacular. His contract numbers are nothing earth-shattering, so the Steelers may run it back with their current group and hope that they can stay healthy. It does seem like some change needs to be made as the lack of quality safety play next to Minkah Fitzpatrick hurt his efforts.
Since Neal and Damontae Kazee missed long periods due to either injury or suspension this year, it caused Fitzpatrick to play different roles. He works best as a ball-hawking player, but he was called upon to cover tight ends more. Injuries piled up quickly both at safety and linebacker this year, so maybe it was a fluke, and the Steelers are willing to look past that.
If Pittsburgh decides to change up the safety room next to Fitzpatrick and cut Neal, they would save a little over two million bucks in the process. That could be used for other areas of the team. The Steelers need to find a more reliable solution at safety and that could make Neal more expendable than someone like Kazee. Expect plenty of changes in the secondary this offseason.