With only 40 million in cap space, the Steelers have a lot of work ahead of them. Some uncomfortable conversations must happen in the coming weeks. Certain players will be let go while others get a call to restructure their current contracts. Although 40 million might seem like a lot of cap space, it's just an illusion with the number of pending free agents.
Despite the limited spending change, the Steelers are in good shape. They have avenues to open cap space without many headaches in the future. However, a handful of players will become cap casualties if Pittsburgh wants to become a big spender once free agency begins. Those who are released to save money could see cheaper replacements brought aboard.
Larry Ogunjobi
Possible replacement: Milton Williams, DT, Philadelphia Eagles
Larry Ogunjobi may return, but the Steelers could save seven million bucks if they let him go. That is a significant chunk of cap space to open. Expect Ogunjobi to leave town after a poor season that saw him only add a sack and a half to his total. There are cheaper alternatives, plus Pittsburgh has shown pre-draft interest in the defensive line.
If they attack this need in free agency, then Milton Williams is perfect. Andy Weidl was with the Eagles when they took Williams in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft. We know the Steeler's assistant general manager has advised the team to sign other Eagles in the past. Unless Williams demands a massive contract, the Steelers would be wise to make the call.
Cordarrelle Patterson
Possible replacement: Kenneth Gainwell, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
You can't say the signing of Cordarrelle Patterson was a failure, but it was close to it. They signed him quickly after the NFL announced their new changes to the kickoff rules this past season. For whatever reason, Patterson couldn't replicate his prior success. He would save the Steelers a little under 3 million in cap space if they released him.
A cheaper option for the Steelers could be Kenneth Gainwell.
Another Eagles player makes the list of possibilities here. Weidl is influential within the organization and played a vital part in Philadelphia's draft classes. He could always have a nice thing to say about Gainwell, who can play a solid game as a running back and has return-ability. Finding a replacement for Patterson could be easy if they add Gainwell in free agency.
READ MORE: 5 easy cuts Steelers could make to free up salary cap space for free agency
Preston Smith
Possible replacement: Lorenzo Carter, EDGE, Atlanta Falcons
Pittsburgh could create significant cap space by cutting Preston Smith. It would save the team 13.4 million. Although he was a solid addition before the trade deadline, Smith was a rental. There is no reason to keep him around at that price. That money would create new possibilities for the Steelers. They could allocate that money on big-name free agents.
Unless Smith would be willing to re-sign for cheap, The Black and Gold must find a quality fourth outside linebacker. Lorenzo Carter comes to mind, especially with his Arthur Smith connection from their time together in Atlanta. Carter isn't going to produce astronomical numbers, but he could be a nice depth piece. He shouldn't command much money in free agency.